Team Herald
MARGAO: An alleged illegal coffee shop being constructed by the Margao Municipal Council just opposite the Margao Civil and Criminal Court has building has raised eyebrows, with locals questioning the audacity of the authorities to mess around with the Conservation zone.
The residents claim that the construction of a coffee shop within this garden is being carried out without the necessary permissions or approvals. They alleged that the land in question does not belong to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and that it is situated within a conservation zone, which has stricter regulations for any development.
In a formal complaint to the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council, the residents have expressed their understanding that the land where the construction of the coffee shop is taking place does not belong to the MMC. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of the construction activities, especially since the land's ownership is unclear.
The residents have now demanded that the MMC stop the construction of the coffee shop, raze the structure and restore the land to its original position within a fortnight.
The residents further state that according to the Outline Development Plan (ODP) currently in force, the property where the construction is taking place is designated as a conservation zone. As per planning regulations, any construction in a conservation zone requires prior approval or permission from the Conservation Committee of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.
The complaint also highlights that the construction of the coffee shop in the garden appears to be patently illegal, as it is being carried out without the necessary development permissions, sanctions, and approval of plans from the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA).
The residents emphasize that these approvals are mandatorily required under Section 44 of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, which governs the development of land in the state.
Given that the construction appears to have been initiated without these essential legal formalities, the residents argue that the project is in direct violation of the law, further reinforcing their demand to halt the work immediately.