Bhatkal: Tensions flared during the General Body Meeting of the Bhatkal Town Municipal Council (TMC) as councillors vehemently opposed the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the establishment of an LPG distribution unit near Santhe Market.

The controversy centers around the recent approval granted to set up a gas pumping station without the consent of the council members. Former TMC president Parvez Kashimji, along with councillors Krishnanand Pai, Fayyaz Mulla, Altaf Kharuri, Abdul Azeem, and Pascal Gomes, led the charge against the NOC, labeling it as an illegal act due to the lack of prior approval from the council.

The proposed LPG distribution unit's location is a significant point of contention. It is situated in a densely populated area surrounded by residential buildings, a government hospital, educational institutions, a fish market, lodges, a Public Works Department office, Indira Canteen, and Devaraj Arasu Hostel. Councillors argue that this will cause severe inconvenience and potential hazards to the public.

Parvez Kashimji raised critical questions during the meeting, challenging the authority of the TMC administrator to issue the NOC without the council's approval. He highlighted that the council had previously passed a resolution against the establishment of the LPG unit at the proposed site.

Chief Officer Neel Kanth Mesta responded by explaining that the proposal was sent to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) for consideration. The DC then returned a request for the NOC, accompanied by approvals from other relevant departments. Following these instructions, the TMC administrator issued the NOC.

However, this explanation did not satisfy the councillors. Kashimji and others questioned the legitimacy of the administrator's actions, emphasizing that the elected council members' decisions should be final. They demanded the immediate cancellation of the NOC issued for the LPG station.

The debate also touched on the broader issue of administrative authority within the TMC. Currently, the Assistant Commissioner (AC) serves as the Administrative Officer due to the lack of fixed reservations for the election of a new President and Vice President. Councillors argued that any such significant decision should be discussed and decided in council meetings.

Following heated discussions, the council resolved to reject the permission granted for the LPG distribution unit. Additionally, the meeting addressed various other municipal matters, including water fee collection and work bill payments.

The newly formed standing committee, comprising 11 members, was also announced during the session. The meeting was presided over by Municipal Administrator Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, with the presence of Environment Engineer Venkatesh, Municipal Engineer Arvinda Rao, Manager Venkatesh Naik, Senior Health Officer Sujiya Suman, and others.

بھٹکل ٹی ایم سی میں گرما گرم بحث : گیس اسٹیشن کے لئے نو آبجکشن لیٹر منسوخ کرنے کا مطالبہ