TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Concerned about potential land misuse and encroachments by private entities, municipal officials and citizens are urging the Margao Municipal Council to scrutinise its extensive properties, which have remained unchecked.
No action Since 2022, when former Chief Officer Rohit Kadam issued directives to assess and compile a list of properties and open spaces gifted to the council, no action has been taken to date.
Now, in response to growing concerns, Margao officials have brought the issue to the attention of Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar, demanding verification and protective measures for the council's land before it falls into private hands.
The council's land, located in areas like Curtorim, Benaulim, Margao, and Fatorda, comprises nearly 50 properties either wholly or partially donated to the MMC. However, the lack of oversight has emboldened private parties to potentially encroach or grab these properties. Some of these properties are prime real estate, raising fears of illegal occupation by squatters.
Mahesh Amonkar, an MMC councillor, said he recently highlighted the issue to the Chief Officer when he discovered a property in his ward being misused by a private entity.
Amonkar expressed shock over the council's lack of awareness regarding the status of its properties and the absence of protective measures, despite the previous initiative by Chief Officer Kadam to verify and list them. “It is high time that the civic body re-checks or physically verifies the properties before it is too late. Otherwise, the MMC will be forced to lose the properties or fight a legal battle to take possession of its own land,” said Amonkar.
He noted instances of private parties misusing council properties and carrying out business activities as well.
Margao resident Jose Dias echoed these concerns, stressing the need for the council to take swift and decisive action to prevent land grabbing, which has become increasingly common.
Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar assured that the council has compiled a list of its properties and plans to devise strategies to safeguard them. He added that the council will not hesitate to pursue legal recourse against encroachers.
