Staff Reporter
Margao
The upcoming Margao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting, scheduled for January 3, is likely to be stormy, with several controversial issues on its agenda.
MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar has included eleven points for discussion, including proposals to construct a cafeteria, store room and restroom in the historic municipal garden.
The idea of building a cafeteria has sparked opposition, with councillors raising concerns that it could disturb the garden’s aesthetics.
The issue of handing over the municipal garden to the Forest Department for development and maintenance is also expected to generate a lot of heat.
“This is a historic municipal garden. It must be preserved and maintained with care. The MMC should
focus on maintaining the garden rather than handing it over to the Forest Department,” said an opposition councillor.
Another councillor expressed surprise at the
contradictory nature of the proposals, pointing out that while the MMC is planning to build a restroom and storeroom for its workers, it is simultaneously considering transferring respon_
sibility for the garden’s maintenance to the Forest Department.
The long-standing issue of car parking will also be discussed, with plans to enhance parking facilities near the KTC bus stand and the old bus stand.
Other agenda items include discussions on cancelled works previously sanctioned under the 14th Finance Commission grants and the door-to-door garbage collection service.
