SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Footpath adjoining a heritage building at Sao Tome area in the capital city has been allegedly encroached and a concrete platform illegally constructed to install a generator set reportedly for a franchise of a multinational restaurant chain.
Despite citizens and activists raising the issue for the last two days, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has failed to clear the alleged encroachment.
Political activist Cecille Rodrigues alleged that the Corporation is “hand-in-gloves” with the contractor executing the work and the businessman, who is setting up the franchise of the multinational restaurant chain.
“Encroachment on footpath is causing great inconvenience to the public, particularly senior citizens. Despite bringing it to the notice of the CCP through social media, they have failed to act. If they don’t remove the generator set and clear the concrete platform then I will write on it using spray paint that it is illegal,” Rodrigues said.
The ward councillor Lorraine Dias confirmed that she has received complaints from the local residents about the alleged encroachment and added that CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate has been informed about it.
When asked if she had sought action from the Corporation against those involved in alleged illegality, Dias said, “Speak to CCP Mayor and Commissioner. They are aware of this issue and they will be in a better position to say anything on that.”
When contacted, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate said, “Definitely we have not given any such permission. We don’t allow any kind of encroachment. I will check with the Commissioner. If it is illegal then we will take necessary action and get the concrete platform and the generator set removed.”
