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VASCO: Terming the work of the compound wall along the ground at Non Mon, Vasco, as “sub standard”, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar stated that the government will recover the demolition and other costs from the officer concerned and the contractor.
Parrikar along with Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Vasco MLA and KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Fiola Rego, PDA Chairman Krishna Salkar and other officials of SAG and GSPCB on Wednesday inspected the controversial ground at Khariwada-Vasco.
During the inspection, Parrikar reportedly pulled up Sports and Youth Affairs Director V M Prabhudesai for the sub-standard work of the compound wall built around the ground.
“The compound wall is so weak that it can be knocked down with one kick. The contractor has not maintained necessary slope to the drain for the storm water to flow into the sea,” stated Parrikar.
He further said the slope of the drain is uneven and directed the Irrigation department to submit a report about construction of the drain to the government.
Though Parrikar agreed to comply with the Green Tribunal directives to demolish the compound wall constructed along the drain, he said due to the fast approaching monsoon, it is not advisable to carry out the demolition as the mud will block the drain.
“Blocking of the drain will lead to flooding in the area which will affect houses and as such I will appeal in the court to allow the government to carry out the demolition after the monsoon,” said Parrikar.
When asked whether the authority concerned had procured all the necessary permission from the other authorities concerned, Parrikar said: “SAG has failed to take the necessary permission from the government before construction of the drain along the periphery of the ground.”
“We cannot blame the court for directing the government to demolish the compound wall as SAG failed to procure necessary NOC/permissions from various authorities concerned. The government will demolish the compound wall and recover the amount from the officer concerned and the contractor,” added Parrikar.
It may be recalled that based on the contempt petition filed by Savera, Vasco-based NGO, the Green Tribunal granted the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs a period of eight weeks to raze the illegal compound wall, built at the cost of Rs 1.5 crore, which falls in CRZ area at Non Mon, Vasco.
The Tribunal has warned the officers that if they do not comply with the order by June 30, then the officer will have to face severe consequences and no further extension will be permitted.
