OLD GOA
The Santa Cruz gram sabha, on Sunday, unanimously decided to oppose the setting up of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in a residential locality at Alto-Santa Cruz.Citing their opposition to the MRF, a resident informed that the site is in a residential locality.
“There are BSNL quarters nearby, a chapel in the vicinity and two restaurants are functioning,” the resident pointed while outlining that the residents too were not consulted before choosing the site for MRF.
“We have suggested an alternate site for MRF and the GSPCB has already conducted an inspection of the same. The MRF could be shifted there,” another resident pointed out.
Later, the gram sabha unanimously passed a resolution voicing their opposition to the setting up of MRF in Alto-Santa Cruz.
Meanwhile, the issue of non-collection of dry waste in the village was also discussed with the panchayat secretary Rajendra Gawas informing that Goa Waste Management Corporation has refused to accept dry waste from November 26.
Activist Arturo D’Souza also raised the issue of the panchayat paying money to an agency for collection of garbage in the village.
“Why pay the agency when the panchayat can directly deposit the amount in the account of the labourers,” D’Souza said.
Earlier, the issue of 100 Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) project files going missing, was discussed with the villagers pointing to gross negligence on the part of the panchayat.
“We had prepared 100 GPDP project files which however went missing from the panchayat. Later, 45 files were traced and sent to BDO. But all the files were rejected by the BDO due to lack of NOC. Even file for desilting drain have been rejected,” a local Elsa Dias stated.
“Currently, under 14th finance commission, a fund of Rs 1.66 cr is lying unused and the same has to be utilized by March 31, 2022. If the fund is sent back, then we will be forced to file PIL against the panchayat,” Dias added.
