MARGAO: A recent order by the High Court, directing the issuance of a pending construction license to a citizen, has sparked hope within the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) regarding the potential lifting of the prevailing ban on issuing construction licenses for multi-dwelling and multi-storied buildings.

The ban on construction licences was imposed in June 2023 during the Sonsoddo garbage crisis, with the HC instructing the MMC to halt the issuance of new licences.

This directive followed an affidavit filed by the MMC counsel, outlining the Solid Waste Management (SWM) initiatives in Margao. Since then, the MMC has refrained from approving new licences, resulting in a backlog of applications.

However, during the recent hearing of a Writ Petition, it was indirectly brought to the court’s attention that the application for the issuance of a construction licence submitted to the MMC had been pending since mid-2023.

In response, the MMC’s legal counsel emphasized the council’s efforts to comply with SWM rules, highlighting measures taken at Sonsoddo, including the transportation of waste to the Curchorem-Cacora Solid Waste Management Plant.

“We have considered the affidavit filed on behalf of the MMC. The MMC should stand by its statements and undertakings and see that the waste, which is generated within its jurisdiction, is suitably dealt with in accordance with the law,” stated the High Court Bench comprising Justice M S Sonak and Valimiki Sa Menezes.

The bench further informed the petitioner that the issue of the construction licence would be disposed of in accordance with the law on its own merits within two weeks, and the decision would be communicated to the petitioner within the said period.

The submission of the MMC Chief Officer, who was present in the court, in this matter was also acknowledged by the court.