PANJIM: The Urban Development Department has issued a notice to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor and the Commissioner over the redevelopment of the National Theatre building situated in city even as former mayor and councilor Surendra Furtado has raised his strong objection.
But the Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane and his department are at loggerheads over the proposal mooted by the CCP.
While the Urban Development Department directed the CCP not to proceed ahead with the proposal without government consultation, the Minister assured the Corporation to approve the same.
CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate had moved a proposal to give 400 sqmts area to M/s Rao & Company after demolishing the National Theatre building.
However, based on the complaint filed by Furtado in April this year, the Urban Development Department on July 25, directed the CCP Commissioner not to go ahead with the matter.
The urban development minister, on the other hand said, that government will resolve all the issues concerning the National Theatre and necessary permission will be granted to CCP to settle the matter.
“I will see that the proposal moved by the Mayor gets clearance,” Rane said.
The Urban Development Department has told the CCP that any development of the National Theatre property should be carried out after consultation and approvl of the State government,
“You are directed not to proceed ahead with the matter and any development of the National Theatre property should be carried after consultation and approval of the State government,” states the letter written to the CCP by the Director of Urban Development, Gurudas Pilarnkar.
Former mayors Surendra Furtado and Uday Madkaikar alleged that the CCP is trying to sell the National Theatre property, which according to them, belongs to the Corporation.
It is said that the CCP had approved the mutual settlement of the National Theatre matter, on condition that Rao withdraws the petition filed in the court.
Cine National proprietor Rao & Company had submitted a proposal to the Corporation stating that they are in occupation of the land since 1933 and built cinema/theatre in 1933 called as ‘Eden’ exhibiting films for the entertainment of the public.
