-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://oheraldo.in/node/8571
Scrap yards standing tall in rural Salcete BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 12 - This may seem strange but true. While scrap yards are facing an axe across the towns, there's a silence on this front in the State's countryside, especially in Salcete - the home for many a scrap yard. While Margao Municipality cleared as many as 10 scrap yards from its jurisdiction recently, almost all the 62-odd scrap yards in rural Salcete has been left untouched, for reasons best known to the local bodies and panchayat authorities. Take for instance the Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat. The village is the home for 32 of the 62 scrap yards in Salcete, but the Panchayat hasn't yet initiated action the activity. On the other hand, Panchayats such as Benaulim are clamouring for demolition of scrap yards in its jurisdiction, but in vain. And, what's surprising to note is that neither the Director of Panchayats nor the local Block Development Officer have any knowledge why scrap yards has been left scot free in the villages. Says Director of Panchayats, Menino D'Souza: "Demolition of illegal structures, including scrap yards, is the responsibility of the respective Panchayats. It's purely for the Panchayat bodies to deal with the issue". Salcete BDO Halarnkar echoed similar sentiments. "My office does not come in the picture at all. Illegal activity has to be dealt with by the Panchayats". According to him, may be the local panchayats are facing practical difficulties in taking on the scrap yards, due to paucity of space for storage or auction. Interestingly, the panchayats were asked by the Panchayat Director a few months ago to submit a detailed list of scrap yards in their jurisdiction. And, the silence on the part of the higher Panchayat officials on this count made many wonder about the real motive behind the exercise. Two months ago, the SDM, Margao had embarked on a drive to rid the villages of scrap yards on ground the activity is carried out on agricultural land. Information now reveals that the SDM later stopped serving the demolition notices after a couple of scrap yard owners stayed the operation with stays from the Administrative Tribunal. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
