PANJIM: The Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) on Tuesday sought two weeks’ time to file its reply on earmarking the land acquired at Sonsoddo, near Margao for all communities for the purpose of last rites, a common burial facility.
During the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam mentioned that the land admeasuring 30,000 square metres at Sonsoddo was acquired for common burial facility.
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A second intervention on behalf of the South Goa Christian Trust was filed stating that the Margao Municipal Council on December 9, 2011 had passed resolution number 3808 to acquire the land for development of a common burial facility for three communities.
The intervenor stated that the land was acquired for common burial ground and therefore had to be earmarked as a common burial facility for all without discrimination. Documents filed in the intervention application reveal that the resolution was later modified to the effect that the land will be utilised solely for the Muslim community.
The High Court opined that it would seek to accommodate the burial needs of as many communities as was feasible and sought the report of the Expert Committee.
The High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by Muzaffar Manzoor Kadri. The High Court had earlier asked the GSUDA to file compliance report.
The GSUDA has already appointed M/s Rahul Deshpande and Associates as the consultant in order to prepare a Detail Project Report (DPR) within 30 days.
Once the DPR is received, the GSUDA will process further tendering of the work, which is expected to be completed by May 31, next year. The High Court posted the matter for next hearing on January 10, 2023.
