CURCHOREM: The Village Panchayat of Xeldem filed a police complaint against one James Fernandes and Menino Fernandes residents of St. Alex ward, Shirvoi-Tilamol for erecting an impediment on public road behind the Xeldem panchayat building. The duo claims the road is part of their private property.
Speaking to Herald Sarpanch Pramod Gauns Dessai said the panchayat received a complaint from some residents stating the approach road behind the panchayat building was obstructed by a permanent wall with an entrance gate. A board stated that it was private property and trespassers would be prosecuted. “Accordingly, we lodged a complaint at Quepem police station and informed Quepem mamlatdar and deputy collector who came and inspected the site.” said Dessai
“The land survey Nos 18/12 and 18/22 where the road exists along with other plots was acquired way back in 1999 and given to Public Works Department (PWD) possession under Section 16 of the Land Acquisition Act 1894 which was then maintained by PWD by tarring it and constructed gutters and therefore we asked the deputy collector and police to take strict action against James and Menino.” Informed Dessai.
However, James clarified that the existing road as per their sale deed which was executed on September 11 in 1979 between late Antonieta Cardozo and them is shown as private road of 3.5 meters breadth and it was never acquired by the government till date. “The government name in survey Nos.18/12 A, 18/12B and 18/22 where the private road is exists is not shown anywhere in Form I & IV till date and what the panchayat is claiming is that the road is acquired by PWD under survey Nos 18/12, 18/22 and 18/23 are in Tanki, Gaval, Chandigal, Goddeamorod road in Xeldem village panchayat and not in our property at Shirvoi as per the available government records and therefore our road is still remained as private road.” said James
According to Assistant Engineer PWD (Roads) Quepem Digamber Kulkarni the road was acquired and are in possession of PWD.
