TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
VASCO: In a move that has upset even the officials at Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), the civic body razed down two illegal structures on Friday but was prevented from demolishing a third encroachment due to “political interference.”
The MMC demolition squad along with a police team demolished an illegal toilet along the footpath at Pixem Dongre, Vasco, and then went to demolish an illegal Gadda at Sada, but had to call off the demolition drive due to some political pressure.
Since there was an objection to the demolition at Sada, the demolition squad later cleared a portion of the illegal footpath which was constructed in road setback area near Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Baina.
Speaking to Herald, the demolition team stated that it was embarrassing to return from the site without carrying out the order.
“This is for the second time that the demolition could not be executed at Sada due to political pressure,” informed a team member.
“With constant pressure from politicians and councillors, it is very difficult to discharge our duties, hampering development of the port town,” added the source in the demolition squad.
When contacted, Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said it was becoming difficult to work under political pressure. “With such pressures, we cannot do justice to our job and at times are branded by general public as ‘political pawns’,” stated Fernandes.
The demolition squad was led by Anand Satoskar, MMC junior engineers, Sagar Naik, Rajesh Desai, Joint Mamlatdar Alphonso, MMC workers and Vasco Police.
