Panaji: Just over a month after retired IAS officer Subhash Chandra (1992 batch, AGMUT cadre) received a demolition notice from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) for constructing a wall without approval and blocking a neighbour’s passage, CCP workers were deployed to clean his private garden in Ribandar.
Garden Spruce-Up with Full Support
According to local accounts, three to four CCP workers were assigned to remove weeds from Chandra’s backyard, accompanied by a supervisor to oversee the work. The development has sparked criticism among residents, who allege preferential treatment.
When contacted, CCP mayor Rohit Monserrate said, “Let the commissioner do an inquiry and find out.”
Residents Question ‘VIP Culture’
The issue surfaced after locals confronted Ward 30 corporator Sandra Da Cunha, questioning why such services were not extended to ordinary residents. Da Cunha said CCP does not undertake private work “unless requested by residents when required” within the wards.
Ribandar resident Nitin Nasnodkar alleged, “CCP people were cleaning the personal garden of a Delhi man, Chandra, who built an illegal compound wall blocking windows and an old passage, troubling one old lady in Fondvem. Instead of getting a demolition order for the compound wall, CCP is seen cleaning his personal compound.”
Background and Local Discontent
Chandra, who retired in September last year as secretary of the Goa Housing Board, also served as secretary of social welfare and art and culture. He purchased a small house in Ribandar after retirement.
Residents, preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi, have expressed frustration over what they see as neglect of local civic needs. They said weed cleaning along roadsides, small passages, and open spaces in Ribandar is usually undertaken only after the festival.
“We sincerely hope that this year, the cleaning will be done before the festival, and also around immersion points. Unlike Panaji city, where maintenance and cleaning work is regularly undertaken, our area is often neglected,” Nasnodkar said.
Locals allege that for basic civic work in their neighbourhood, they must make repeated requests, yet CCP can deploy a full team to clean the gardens of well-connected individuals.
Also Read: CCP Issues Seven-Day Notice to Former IAS Officer of AGMUT cadre Over Unauthorized Wall in Ribandar
