VASCO
Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar has taken charge as the Chief Officer of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), stepping in at a crucial time when the civic body is grappling with the aftermath of the devastating Vasco Sunday Market fire.
Considering the additional administrative workload arising from the fire incident and the subsequent rehabilitation of affected traders, Narvekar has reportedly been visiting the MMC office on a daily basis since taking charge.
Sources said that Narvekar has already begun attending to various administrative and civic issues falling under the jurisdiction of the Mormugao Municipal Council.
"The Chief Officer has been coming to the MMC on a daily basis and has started handling issues pertaining to the municipal council's jurisdiction. However, next week onwards, considering that he is also the Chief Officer of Margao Municipal Council, another Class A municipal council, he is expected to visit Mormugao thrice a week," a source said.
Narvekar's additional charge comes at a particularly challenging time for the MMC, with the civic body involved in coordinating several aspects of the rehabilitation of traders affected by the massive fire at the Vasco Sunday Market.
Meanwhile, it may be recalled that MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik was transferred barely days after the devastating fire incident, with Narvekar being entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Mormugao civic body.
The sudden transfer of Naik, at a time when the municipal administration was dealing with one of its biggest challenges in recent years, had raised eyebrows and triggered political speculation over the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Narvekar's appointment is expected to provide administrative continuity with the civic body works while also addressing the concerns of affected traders and implementing the proposed arrangements for their rehabilitation.
