MAPUSA
The Camurlim panchayat’s inability to take up wet-waste collection due to the additional financial burden emerged as a key concern at the ordinary gram sabha held on Sunday, with villagers demanding that the panchayat put in place a system for door-to-door collection of both wet and dry waste.
Villagers pointed out that while dry waste is being collected across the panchayat’s seven wards, wet waste continues to remain outside the existing collection system.
They said the absence of regular wet-waste collection could encourage residents to dispose of waste at roadsides and other vulnerable locations.
A villager suggested that the panchayat identify dumping-prone spots and install ‘No Garbage Zone’ boards to deter people from disposing of waste in public places.
Sarpanch Laximan Naik said the panchayat was currently collecting dry waste from all seven wards. However, he said introducing wet-waste collection at this stage would put an additional financial burden on the panchayat and could eventually necessitate an increase in house tax.
The gram sabha also raised concerns over the condition of the existing retaining wall at Savavno creek, with villagers seeking urgent repairs to the structure. A resident pointed out that the creek is considerably deep and warned that any further deterioration of the retaining wall could result in the structure giving way, posing a safety risk.
Naik informed the gathering that the panchayat had already initiated the process for repairs. The work had been tendered and a work order issued, he said, adding that the foundation stone would be laid shortly and the repair work taken up thereafter.
The sarpanch also informed the gram sabha that a community wall would be constructed in the village as part of the panchayat’s planned works.
