FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Team Herald
VASCO : A joint meeting of the Indian Navy, Mormugao Municipal Council and other stakeholders like the local builders associations, was held in Vasco to address the repercussions of delayed NOCs (No-Objection Certificates)
from the Indian Navy, which have halted numerous constructions in the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) area.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the imposition of house tax in various naval colonies under the municipal jurisdiction. Acknowledging the inconveniences faced by citizens, the Navy pledged to hold another joint meeting within a month to seek a viable solution to the problem.
Following the meeting, builder Cedric Dias expressed dissatisfaction with the Navy's approach, citing disregard for its own guidelines and the guidelines established by the Union Ministry of Defence. Dias emphasised that those complying with the law should be granted permissions by the authorities, reiterating that their intention was not to confront the Navy but to urge them to reconsider their stance.
"We are entitled to permissions. We want Naval clearance under the Aircraft Act, but when we apply for the Naval NOC, it is denied," Dias said.
Girish Borker, Chairperson of Mormugao, disclosed that the Navy was given until the end of March to propose solutions to address the issue. Borker emphasised the municipality's need for revenue generation through construction activities, which had been stymied by the delays. Additionally, the municipality seeks to levy house tax on several units of the Navy situated within its residential colonies.
