TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Intensifying the ongoing agitation in support of the Costa grounds, the Aquem Ground Bachao Association Sunday called on ex-Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and demanded acquisition of the grounds for the future generations.
Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church, Aquem, Fr Ligorio Da Costa and members of the Aquem Ground Bachao Association were huddled with Kamat at his Malbhat residence this morning, wherein the activists underlined the need to retain the ground for the recreational needs of the citizens of the area.
After the meeting, the Margao MLA told waiting media persons that the delegation drew his attention to the Margao Municipal Council’s resolution to renew the construction licence of the housing project.
“They were of the firm opinion that the government should acquire the land. I told them that under the Goa Municipalities Act, a resolution can be challenged before the Director of Municipal Administration. In the instant case, one of the councillors said that the civic body was mandated to keep as many as five councillors informed about the movement of the Costa ground file, but which was not done. This can be a ground to challenge the resolution before the DMA”, Kamat said.
The Margao MLA further said that the delegation wanted him to talk to the Urban Development Minister, Francis D’Souza to explore the possibility of acquiring the Costa ground.
Meanwhile, Fr Ligorio Da Costa told waiting media persons that the Costa ground has a rich history and should be retained for the future generations.
“The ground is located at the centre of Aquem. So many events have taken place on the ground”, he said, while begging the authorities to acquire the ground.
Replying to a question, he said the people of Aquem will use all peaceful methods to approach the authorities to do the needful.
Councillor Damu Shirodkar also accompanied the delegation.
