GS exposes lapses in village development planning
MAPUSA
Villagers of Moira on Sunday expressed strong dissatisfaction over the irregular and inefficient waste collection system in the village, terming it a serious inconvenience and health hazard.
The issue dominated discussions at the gram sabha meeting, where residents demanded that the panchayat enforce a proper and consistent waste collection schedule.
Several residents complained that the garbage collection vehicles often fail to arrive on time or skip certain wards altogether, forcing people to leave waste bags hanging at their gates or outside their homes.
“We have experienced endless waits for the garbage collection vehicle, and on many occasions, it doesn’t come at all. This leaves residents with no choice but to leave their garbage outside,” said Virgilia D’Sa, a resident of Moira.
Echoing similar concerns, Julia D’Souza from Bambordem said stray dogs frequently tear open the unattended garbage bags, scattering waste all over the area.
“The waste collectors should follow fixed timings and give some signal when the van arrives for collection,” she suggested.
Apart from waste management, the villagers also raised concerns over the preparation of the village’s development plans.
They alleged that the plans were not being drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and the Ward Development Rules, 2008.
When questioned on how many annual development plans had been forwarded to the Zilla Panchayat, the Sarpanch admitted that none had been sent so far.
“The Annual Development Plan must be prepared as per the prescribed sections and rules. It is mandatory,” D’Sa asserted. She further pointed out that while the Director of Panchayats had stated there were no specified rules, the fact remained that notified rules exist.
“We will be filing contempt proceedings against the Director of Panchayats for failing to adhere to the legal framework,” she added.
The gram sabha concluded with residents urging the panchayat to take immediate steps to streamline waste collection and ensure that all statutory requirements for village development planning are strictly followed.
