Cuncolim residents up-in-arms against bungalow construction
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 24
Residents of Adibandh Cuncolim on Monday firmly opposed the construction of a bungalow in their locality apprehending that the structure would be used to set up an educational institution.
The message was conveyed to the Cuncolim MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao at a joint hearing conducted by the Cuncolim Municipal Council.
The residents made it quite clear to the owner of the property that they would oppose the project tooth and nail and even offered to buy the property at a market rate from the owner.
When the owner said she is giving in writing that no institution would come on the property, the residents thundered that they are opposed to any house or institution in the property.
Oscar Martins urged the Urban Development Minister to stand by the people, saying that entire Cuncolim is behind the residents against the bungalow. Saying that the people are opposed to the project, Martins said the people would come onto the streets if the construction license is not scrapped forthwith.
Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao assured the agitating residents that he would support their movement and urged the owner of the property to abandon the project in the interest of peace in the locality.
He said the owner of the property would discuss the proposal received from the residents with her husband and get back to him within two days. “My people have fears that a school is coming up in the property. She will discuss with the husband what is the cost of the land and the people will buy the property”, he said.
