Fate of 259 structures in balance
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, FEB 6
The focus has now shifted on to the 259-odd structures facing the axe at Kharewaddo as their plea for relief is likely to come up next week, after 103 structures managed to obtain a stay after Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) had set February 7 as the demolition date.
On Friday, about 73 structures obtained temporary relief by obtaining stay from the Municipal Appellate Tribunal, making it 103 structures, as earlier 30 structures had obtained the stay.
The 362-odd structures along the Kharewaddo coast are facing the axe due to Mormugao Port Trust’s expansion plans. The MPT had made Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and MMC party to its writ petition.
The High Court on December 13, 2010, passed an order directing the MMC to take further action in response to the final notice served to the structures.
MMC’s stand in court was that within one month’s time all the structures which do not have permission would be identified and steps to take appropriate action would be initiated in accordance with Goa Municipalities Act by February 15, 2011.
Deputy Collector Levinson Martins, said there was confusion that though South Goa Demolition Squad had received correspondence from MMC, the Mormugao Deputy Collector had no intimation from South Goa Demolition Squad.
Vasco Police also disclosed that they did not have the required force to carry out the demolition.
Confident that they would get a stay on the demolition, Councilor Fiola Rego said “we had met Law Commission and Advocate General of Goa along with the chief officer who promised help”.
Another councilor Lavina D’Souza also echoed similar sentiments saying “the last 15 days had given sleepless nights to the residents, but we were confident nothing would happen as we had received much needed support from all the authorities”.
Former councilor Anthony Fernandes thanked Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza for his help in the matter and said others too would also get a stay.
Fate of 259 structures in balance
VASCO, FEB 6 The focus has now shifted on to the 259-odd structures facing the axe at Kharewaddo as their plea for relief is likely to come up next week, after 103 structures managed to obtain a stay after Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) had set February 7 as the demolition date.
