Cuncolkars are debating if the proposed multicrore administrative complex of Cuncolim Municipal Council at Kalta through GSUDA is an urgent need of the town or the CMC and Government are keeping aside other projects to push the complex. Some residents favour the project while others oppose the 25-stores complex.
Fifteen years ago the CMC had acquired an agricultural land at Kalta on the NH17 for the proposed administrative complex. It was BJP-supported Council who had acquired the land in spite of strong opposition from the farmers.
Farmer Vishnu Dessai, who is now bed-ridden, had fought a long battle right from the Council to subprime court to save his agriculture land. Unfortunately the government won the case.
The present ruling Council has took the initiative of reviving the administrative building project with the help of Urban Development Minister Adv. Francisco D’Souza. Former Director of Municipal Administration and present AAP Goa Chief Elvis Gomes had put a stay on the proposed project on the advice of D’Souza. Now the Urban Development Minister has been convinced by the present CMC that they have succeeded in lifting the ban imposed on the proposed project.
Vice-Chairperson of CMC Sashank Dessai told Herald the Council had recently met UD Minister regarding the project. “No minister had issued directions to DMA to lift the ban on the proposed project. On the directions of UD Minister the DMA chairman Ashok Kumar has also initiated a move to appoint a consultant for the proposed administrative complex project,” said Dessai.
Dessai said the proposed Rs 25 crore project was designed by the previous council which will have all government offices under one roof. Dessai told Herald that CMC administrative block will be shifted to Kalta project in phases.
Sources say if everything goes smoothly and if the finance department gives a green signal, most likely the government will lay a foundation stone for the project on Goan Liberation Day. Council ruling members expressed their happiness over this project.
