TEAM HERALD
CURCHOREM: Continuing its drive against encroachments on passages and roads, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) on Thursday confiscated goods placed outside the shops in Curchorem; however, the absence of the assistant municipal inspector during the drive was the subject of much discussion in the market.
Besides confiscating the goods, the CCMC also demolished some illegal sheds and extensions outside some shops in the main market.
While the drive was in progress, some people from the market area pointed that the CCMC had carried out the drive without the presence of the assistant municipal inspector.
When contacted, municipal engineer Uday Dessai said the order was issued to the assistant municipal inspector to be present to carry out the drive. “But since he was not present, I will inform the chief officer,” said Dessai.
When asked about the absence of the municipal inspector, Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said the municipal engineer had informed him about the absence of the inspector.
“I immediately tried to call the assistant municipal inspector on his mobile phone, but his phone was out of coverage area. Till now, he has not applied for any kind of leave,” informed Fernandes.
He assured to enquire about the absence of assistant municipal inspector during the drive and will, accordingly, take appropriate action in the matter.
During the drive, senior doctor Atchut Kakodkar, whose clinic is situated in the old municipal building welcomed CCMC’s anti-encroachment drive, but expressed doubt over the seriousness of the council.
Speaking to media persons, Dr Kakodkar said the passages cleared in the morning will be seen occupied later in the evening. “The anti-encroachment drive is just an eye-wash. Today, they are clearing the area, tomorrow it will appear in the newspaper and then again you will see the passages occupied yet again.”
He requested CCMC to monitor the market every day if they were really serious about encroachments in the market area.
