TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
VASCO: The National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI) demolish two structures which were constructed over the naphtha pipeline and within the setback of the four-lane Highway near Kendrya Vidhalay School, Varunapuri.
Armed with a strong police force, NHAI Technical Manager C O P Furtado demolished the illegal structures.
Initially, the owner of the structures with the help of his lawyer tried to object to the demolition. However when Furtado warned that he would get them arrested for restraining government officials from carrying out their duty, the owner left the cows and buffaloes tied in the cowshed and went away.
Later, Furtado directed the labourers to untie the animals to make way for the demolition.
Earlier in the day, Furtado had demolished illegal shanties which had mushroomed along the four-lane highway at Bogda.
It may be recalled that the two cowsheds were at the site for a number of years and despite several demolition notices, the owners failed to shift from the site.
NHAI sources told Herald that after the naphtha fire incidents at Varunapuri and Dhaktollem on August 19 and 20, 2011, the owners of the illegal cowsheds were served with demolition notices but the structures were not demolished due to political patronage.
Speaking to Herald, Furtado said the illegal structures have come over the naphtha pipeline and within the setback of the four-lane highway.
“I do not want these illegal structures, which have come on the naphtha pipeline, to be the cause of another disaster like the previous one which claimed innocent lives,” said Furtado. “All other illegal structures which have come up over the naphtha pipeline and within the setback of the four-lane highway will also be demolished,” added Furtado.
