Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday asked the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) to file a status report by May 2, about the kabrastan to be set up at Sonsoddo, Margao.
While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by Sayed Manzoor Aslam Kadri, Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the HC that GSUDA consultants Rahul Deshpande & Associates has identified and demarcated an area of 2,500 square metres of land for the construction and development of a kabrastan. The AG further submitted that necessary steps are being taken to tender the work and the same will be completed in terms of the directions issued by the Court on October 12 last year.
At the same time, the Court stated that as far as the grievances of the interveners are concerned, the same will be taken up for consideration at the stage of final hearing of the PIL writ petition, along with other pending issues. The matter has now been posted for the next hearing on May 3.
During the last hearing on December 6, the GSUDA had sought time to file its reply on earmarking the land acquired at Sonsoddo for a burial ground to cater to people of all communities. Land admeasuring 30,000 square metres was acquired at Sonsoddo for the purpose of establishing a common burial facility.
As many as three interventions have been filed, one by human rights activist Dr Anthony Rodrigues, second by the South Goa Christian Trust and the third by St Anthony Chapel, stating that the Margao Municipal Council in December 2011 had passed a resolution to acquire the land for a common burial facility for three communities. The resolution was later modified by the Council stating that the land will be utilised solely for a kabrastan.
