SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: The government may have filed an objection to the kabrastan land zone change, but the ruling council of Margao municipality is firm on its resolution to shift the proposed kabrastan from Sonsoddo to Sirvodem, Navelim, which may result in major conflict in resolving the issue.
Speaking to Herald Lyndon Pereira, Margao Municipal Council chairperson on Thursday said the civic body will remain firm on the resolution to shift the kabrastan.
"Let the High Court decide on the issue", he said.
It is pertinent to note that on the demand from a Muslim group and councillor Mahesh Amonkar to revoke the decision of change in zone at Sonsoddo area acquired for kabrastan, the Director of Urban Development Gurudas Pilarnkar had filed an objection to the PDA’s decision to change zone of the Sonsoddo land.
The director had also instructed the MMC Chief Officer to place the contentious matter before the council since the High Court is seized of the matter.
Earlier, councillor Amonkar along with other members of minority community sat on a hunger strike. They demanded that the PDA’s decision to change the zone at Sonsoddo for a small housing society, power station and other facilities be revoked.
Later, Deputy Chief Minister Manohar alias Babu Ajgaonkar, besides Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant also intervened in the matter and the government had assured to revert the decision of change in zone.
Now, the MMC is yet to take a call on the sensitive issue, but as per the opinion of the chairperson, the civic body will stand by the resolution to shift kabrastan from Sonsoddo to Sirvodem, Navelim.
"There is no point in going against the resolution taken long back to shift the proposed kabrastan to Sirvodem, Navelim. Our stand is clear, and that is the council is in favour of shifting the kabrastan. Let the court decide on the matter", said Lyndon.
He said the zone of the acquired land at Sonsoddo was changed in the 2028 Outline Development Plan (ODP). But in the recent development into the matter the DMA is on record that the acquired land at Sonsoddo should be retained for kabrastan.
Looking into the matter it seems that there will be major tussle between the councillors in the coming days if the same matter is placed before the council meeting.
