Chaos at MMC meet over ‘unequal distribution’ of development funds

NT NETWORK

Margao

Chaos witnessed twice during the  Margao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting that was held on  Monday — firstly, over the  unequal distribution of the development funds  among the councillors, and then over the MMC workers taking up tree cutting in private properties.

Councillors  Damu  Naik,  Manoj  Mosurkar and Raju  Hadly  pointed out to the chairperson that  they have received comparatively less funds for their  ward development than those received by a couple of councillors from the  ruling side.

The chairperson Babita  Prabhudesai  heard them, and later decided to re-asses the development fund distribution.  

Councillor  Rupesh  Mahatme pointed out that MMC workers are seen working in the private properties, and added this has to be stopped.

The fellow councillors supported him,  and demanded with the chairperson to stop it immediately.

Councillors Arthur  D’Silva,  Zafer Budani,  Manoj Mosurkar and a few others  opposed the suggestion put forth by the  chairperson Prabhudesai to increase the  salary  of the MMC- appointed  advocate from Rs 25, 000  to 50,000.

They suggested that the proposal should be forwarded to the DMA for seeking permission, to which the chairperson finally agreed.

The councillors  agreed to introduce the Garbage Sentinel Scheme besides to install CCTV cameras at a few black spot areas.

The councillors resolved to strictly follow the guidelines for the ban on plastic bags, and decided collectively to take action on those who use the plastic bags with a thickness below 40 microns.

Councillor Ketan Kurtarkar pointed out that plastic waste was seen accumulated at the Margao fair site, and sought to know how the MMC has permitted the use of plastic bags. 

It was decided to write to the Directorate of Municipal Administration to take necessary action in this regard.

The council also decided to re-float the tender for the work on the pay parking project as there was no response from the bidders to the earlier tender. 

The chairperson opined that the council should apprise the GSUDA of the situation.

Councillor Damu Naik demanded action against the  footpath encroachers and those  involved in  ‘chor bazaar’ activities at the old railway station roadside.

The council also resolved  to  engage the  labour contractor to supply labourers to the MMC,  who will be used for waste collection and segregation. 

It was also decided to compensate the MMC workers who worked overtime while dousing the Sonsoddo waste dump fire.