Gasification plant, multi-level parking, and beautification works among projects given nod
Margao Municipal Council chairperson Damu Shirodkar briefs the media on the developmental proposals discussed at a council meeting held on Friday.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
In what is seen as a strategic move ahead of the March 2026 civic polls, the BJP-controlled Margao Municipal Council on Friday approved a series of multi-crore public utility projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure and addressing longstanding civic issues in the commercial capital.
Among the key projects approved on Friday is a Rs seven crore gasification plant for the scientific disposal of mixed waste, a Rs 10 crore multi-level parking facility to ease traffic congestion, and the implementation of a pay-parking system on city roads. Additionally, the Council has approved a Rs 14 crore Margao Municipal heritage building project and plans for the beautification of the iconic Margao old bus stand, which includes proposals to rehabilitate gadda owners.
The Council also gave its nod to outsource manpower for the bailing of dry waste, signalling a renewed focus on waste management and cleanliness.
While these ambitious projects are unlikely to be completed before the elections, observers say these approvals are part of a broader strategy to keep the BJP and Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Digambar Kamat in good stead as they go to the civic polls just seven months away to retain power in the civic body.
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Thumbs down for bio-methanation plant
The Margao Municipal Council has in principle accorded its nod in favour of the 10-ton gasification plant at Sonsodo, but the project will receive final approval only after the City Fathers visit Pune to inspect the plant and evaluate the gasification technology.
The 15 TPD bio-methanation plant proposed by the Council at Sonsodo as per the directions of the High Court, however, found no takers amongst the Councillors. Reason? The City Fathers pointed out that the lone 5 TPD bio-methanation plant set up at the SGPDA market has ended up a failure, adding that the civic body should not go for bio-methanation plants.
When Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar placed the 10-ton gasification waste treatment plant before the Council for discussion and decision, members demanded to inspect a similar plant in operation, since this is the first time that the gasification technology is sought to be introduced in Goa.
Explaining the proposal, Municipal Engineer Dipak Desai said the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has tendered the gasification plant on behalf of the Margao Municipal Council to treat 10 tons of mixed waste. He said the gasification plant may offer a solution to the garbage dumped at the city’s 50 black spots.
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Pay parking on roads
The Margao Municipal Council on Friday gave its approval for the automated electro-mechanical puzzle multi-level parking system to resolve parking woes plaguing the commercial capital.
Pay parking on the city roads and open spaces will return in the commercial capital after more than two decades. For, the BJP-controlled Margao Municipal Council has on Friday given the green signal to introduce pay parking on five roads and spaces in the city.
Sadly, there was not much discussion at the meeting on the multi-level parking proposal, even though the concept of the automated electro-mechanical puzzle parking system is being introduced in Goa for the first time. There was no discussion on whether Council officials have inspected the puzzle parking system implemented in towns and cities across India. There was no discussion on whether the system will be implemented on a PPP or other mode.
Chairperson Damu Shirodkar said the MMC has already deposited an amount of Rs 5.5 crore with GSUDA, saying the balance amount of Rs 4.5 crore will soon be transferred to the agency.
On pay parking, the names of the roads and open spaces where pay parking will be introduced, however, have been kept under wraps.
The Council meeting on Friday finally decided to levy parking fees amounting to Rs 5 for two-wheeler parking and Rs 10 for four-wheelers per hour. Councillor Mahesh Amonkar cautioned the Council that the facility should not be misused by the rent-a-bike operators.
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Beautification works
Margao civic chief Damu explained that the government will foot the entire bill amounting to Rs 14 crore towards the renovation and beautification of the MMC heritage building. He thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for making budgetary provision to take up the MMC building restoration work.
Similarly, he pointed out that the Margao old bus stand will be beautified to meet the growing requirements. He said the 70 gaddas which are sought to be rehabilitated at the bus stand include the gaddas located along the SBI–Presentation Convent School road.
He said the old bus stand beautification work will also take care of the farmers from the hinterland areas selling agricultural produce on the gutter opposite the Margao police station.
