Bundhs, garbage figure at Azossim-Mandur gram sabha

Panaji: Issues of broken bundhs and the danger they pose to houses in low-lying areas, waste management, the location of a bus stop at a crowded junction, and other matters raised some dust at the gram sabha of Azossim-Mandur panchayat on Sunday.
During the meeting, which was chaired by sarpanch Prashant Naik, the issue of the proposed garbage tax of Rs 720 per annum was discussed. The sarpanch said it would be a burden for villagers and suggested it be reduced to Rs 360 while conceding that only four workers were being engaged for dry waste.
Members suggested comprehensive handling of waste, including wet garbage, to which the sarpanch said a site for sorting and engaging more workers was on the cards. It was resolved to collect only Rs 360 — light tax would be exempt — while professional tax for shops was hiked from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 per annum, barring outlets of self-help groups.
Local politician Ramrao Wagh brought up in writing the serious issue of broken bundhs in the village and urged the authorities to take up repairs due to the danger posed to settlement areas.
Former sarpanch Ajit Bacal questioned why a Delhi party was allotted a house number hurriedly at the year’s end if the panchayat body was concerned about ecology.
Wagh also urged the panchayat to inspect an illegal compound of an ongoing mega project.
Bacal said the panchayat had issued approval to one project, without specifying names, after the promoters showed requisite documents.
Naik, replying to a member’s demand to reveal the irregularities of the previous panchayat body, said that the audit report would bring out the truth soon.
Regarding the location of a bus stop at a crowded junction, the sarpanch said that the authorities would be requested not to shift it as per people’s demand but agreed to an inspection by the authorities in the matter.