Also cite lack of doctors, staff at sub-health centre
A villager voices concerns during the Tivim gram sabha, attended by Sarpanch Venkatesh Shirodkar and other panchayat members.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
Addressing growing concerns among villagers, Tivim Sarpanch Venkatesh Shirodkar on Sunday assured residents that a meeting of the garbage management committee would be convened to tackle the pressing issue of waste management in the village.
The village, like many others in the State, has been grappling with garbage being dumped along roadsides and in open areas. The problem has been exacerbated by new housing colonies, with residents – many of whom are not originally from Tivim – reportedly dumping waste indiscriminately.
Speaking at the gram sabha, a local resident expressed frustration, stating, “Newcomers in the building colonies treat the village as a dumping ground. Builders should be mandated to include garbage treatment facilities within their complexes.”
Another villager, Nilesh Salgaonkar, criticized the panchayat for its failure to establish a permanent waste management facility.
“The lack of a material recovery facility (MRF) violates court directives. The panchayat is currently using a temporary site behind the panchayat building, which is not a long-term solution,” Salgaonkar said, urging the authorities to obtain clearance from the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
Responding to the concerns, Shirodkar assured the villagers that immediate action would be taken.
“We will convene the garbage committee to explore solutions and, if necessary, involve the village development committee for a thorough discussion,” he said.
The gram sabha also highlighted the lack of doctors and medical staff at Tivim’s sub-health centre, leaving senior citizens particularly vulnerable. Villagers called for immediate government intervention to address the staffing shortage.
The sarpanch promised to write to the government, requesting the deployment of medical officers to the centre.
Additionally, concerns over the deteriorating condition of the panchayat building and a small bridge near the church were raised.
Residents urged the panchayat to address these critical infrastructure issues promptly.
