TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CURCHOREM: Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) on Friday deliberated on the proposal to transfer municipal land to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE).
The special meeting was convened to discuss the letter received from the Director of Science, Technology and Environment Department, expressing its intention to take over 64,985 sq mtrs of municipal land on a 99-year lease for the proposed Solid Waste Management Facility (SWMF) project.
Councillor Pushkal Sawant stated that as per Section 88 (2) of the Municipal Act, the council has powers to lease its immoveable property for a period not exceeding three years and the lease can be renewed by the council beyond three years with the permission of the Director of Municipal Administrator (DMA) and as such the council has no powers to lease its property for 99 years.
Another Councillor Rocha Pereira suggested seeking necessary clarification from the DMA whether Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council can approve lease deed beyond three years and whether the council is empowered to take resolution to consider the proposal of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Environment.
Besides Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, councillors also spoke on the subject and after prolonged discussions, it was unanimously agreed to seek clarification from the DMA whether the council can enter into an agreement beyond 3 years to lease its own property.
Meanwhile, the legal opinion obtained by CCMC stated that lease deed to transfer the land in favour of Department of Science, Technology and Environment is required to be approved by the government/DMA.
