-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM: The first meeting of the newly-elected Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) was held at the BMC hall. The meet discussed the main challenges of Bicholim town like parking problem, garbage collection and proper disposal through garbage treatment plant, shifting of KTC bus stand to a nearby site, one-way traffic of heavy vehicles on the highway, displaying of ‘No Entry’ boards at certain locations on road junctions, moving the police station and demand for new traffic cell at Bicholim. The meeting was presided over by the new chairperson, Ms Anisha Vernekar. In most of the discussed subjects, various resolutions were adopted unopposed. It was decided to stop entry of heavy vehicles into the market and internal municipal road areas on all days except on the weekly bazaar day, at previously specified times, as they bring vegetables and supplies to the market. It was decided to move the present location of the present KTC bus stand, which is too small and does not have enough space to cater to the ever increasing number of vehicles, to a site near Mavlingem road junction, which is just a short distance away from the present KTC bus stand. The resolution in this matter was passed unopposed informed the vice chairperson, Mr Naik. Councillor Mr Kamlakant Teli moved a resolution that the present police station which is near the taluka government offices complex should be shifted to a site near the police quarters, which are near the present PHC. The vice chairperson, Mr Shashikant Naik, councillors, Mr Kamlakant Teli, Mr Kamalesh Teli, Ms Karuna Govenkar, chief officer, Mr Raju Gawas, municipal engineer, Mr Munna Mujawar, regional transport officer, Mr R Shetye, police sub-inspector, Mr Tukaram Walke, health officer and others were present at the council meeting. The meeting congratulated the new group of councillors. All the members of BMC decided to work unitedly for the development, cleanliness and beautification of the Bicholim town. In another meeting, this time convened by the deputy collector of Bicholim, Mr Narayan Gad, the newly-elected Bicholim councillors, transport officers, health officer, members of hospital visiting committee and social workers discussed the main problems of Bicholim town. Mr Gad emphasised the need for special initiative by all concerned government officers, BMC, social workers and residents of the town, for the development of the town and its beautification. Mr Gad stressed on the issue of sanitation in the town. He called for proper gutter system and maintaining cleanliness around the roads and surrounding areas, sorting out problems of health hazards, traffic congestions, transport system, maintenance of roads, stray cattle menace. He said these challenges need to be tackled on priority basis. Pollution should be brought under control and needful task for the maintenance should be given due attention, Mr Gad opined. Mr Gad also asked the health service staff to take special efforts to bring contagious and seasonal diseases under control. The vice chairperson of BMC, Mr Shashikant Naik, Mr Cajetan Vaz, Mr Riyaz Beigh and others also gave suggestions on the occasion. (NT)
