Nuvem Panchayat Proposes Garbage Tax Amid Environmental Concerns

The Nuvem panchayat has proposed a monthly garbage tax of Rs 35 per household during its recent gram sabha meeting, held on Sunday. The session, chaired by Sarpanch Freda D’Sa, sparked an in-depth discussion on several environmental and infrastructure challenges facing the village.

Proposed Garbage Tax to Address Waste Management

One of the most debated topics at the gram sabha was the proposed Rs 35 garbage tax. The discussion centered on improving waste management, especially considering the growing population of migrants in the area. Gram sabha member Carmelito Andrade suggested using police demographic data to implement a tiered taxation system, where properties with multiple households would be charged accordingly.

Andrade emphasized the importance of tackling roadside garbage dumping, which has increased due to the rising migrant population. He proposed charging each additional family residing on a single property the standard garbage rate, in an effort to manage waste more effectively.

Water Conservation Urged Amid Crisis

Water conservation was another major issue discussed at the meeting. This comes after the chief minister’s warning of a potential reduction in drinking water supply to just four hours a day. Zarina da Cunha pushed for a resolution to conduct a hydrological survey of the village, to better understand the available water resources.

Cunha also raised concerns about new construction projects with swimming pools, suggesting that these should be prohibited given the looming water crisis. Additionally, Andrade called for regular monitoring of pollution levels in the Sal River to ensure the community’s environmental health.

Unauthorized Kayaking Sparks Controversy

A heated debate arose over unauthorized kayaking operations on the Sal River. Member Betty Mendes brought the issue to light, pointing out that the panchayat had not granted permission for these activities. She also mentioned that the Captain of Ports was unaware of the operations, raising questions about their legality.

The sarpanch, Freda D’Sa, confirmed that no such activities had been authorized by the panchayat, and further investigations may be necessary to address the situation.

Infrastructure Concerns in Gorvote

The gram sabha also addressed several infrastructure issues affecting local residents. In particular, residents from Gorvote raised concerns about the highway rumblers installed near their homes. John D’Costa reported that heavy vehicles crossing these rumblers at night caused severe vibrations, disturbing the peace and quality of life for nearby residents.

As the Nuvem panchayat faces these pressing issues, the proposals discussed during the gram sabha reflect the need for thoughtful solutions and strong leadership. Whether it’s the garbage tax, water conservation, or infrastructure concerns, it’s clear that the community is eager to address these challenges head-on.

What are your thoughts on the proposed garbage tax and the issues raised at the gram sabha? Do you believe these actions can help improve the village? Share your opinions in the comments below!