Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: Residents of Cuncolim were taken by surprise when representatives from Kolbro Group Pvt Ltd, a private company, entered their properties to conduct a property survey. This unexpected visit raised concerns among locals, who expressed their displeasure at the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) for carrying out the survey without consulting the local councillors.
One of the elected councillors, Udesh Naik Dessai, intervened and stopped the survey, stating, “The CMC has not discussed the issue of this survey in any municipal meeting.” After the councillor’s strong objection, CMC Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas and Chief Officer Joan Fernandes issued instructions for the private company to halt the survey.
Locals have questioned how the Chairperson and Chief Officer were able to appoint a private company to conduct such a survey, with many arguing that it is illegal to enter private property without the owner's consent.
The CMC had issued a letter asking property owners to allow the private company to conduct a survey to assess property taxes. The letter stated that property owners are expected to pay relevant taxes to the government when purchasing a new property. The CMC has been seeking details from landlords, house and flat owners, and shopkeepers, asking them to permit the survey team to take photographs and measurements.
In response to these concerns, Mascarenhas explained, “There are some doubts and confusion among the residents of Cuncolim regarding the property survey, which is supposed to be conducted through a private agency under the order of the District Magistrate’s Office (DMA). The Chief Officer informed councillors about the survey, but we were also confused. It would be better if the agency could conduct an awareness campaign before starting the survey.”
Mascarenhas further pointed out, “According to the guidelines, property owners are being asked to allow the survey team to take photographs inside their homes, which people will not accept.” He clarified that this is not a land survey, but a structure survey to assess
property taxes.