TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: Former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes on Monday accused Calangute MLA Michael Lobo of misusing the parking lot at Baga.
Speaking to Herald, Fernandes said, “I am told that the Calangute Comunidade had given NOC for temporary parking at its plot of land at Baga for Christmas and New Year season due to rush of vehicles.”
“The paddy field area was illegally filled up for the purpose without any legal sanctions. The present parking lot is now being converted into a permanent parking place by vested interest including the Calangute MLA, who jointly owns the nearby resort,” alleged Fernandes.
“The Calangute MLA is keen to take over the present parking lot for the resort and it has also been misused at times for musical events, etc.”
“Collection of parking fees by BJP Youth President Yeshwant Kandolkar was misuse of power, as the plot of land belongs to Calangute Comunidade, alternatively the collection should have either been done by GSIDC or Calangute Comunidade. Why did the third person collect the parking fees? It looks like a scam on parking fees collection at Baga which needs investigation,” stated Fernandes.
When contacted, Lobo said parking is the need of the hour due to increasing number of vehicles, making a beeline to Calangute and beaches of Calangute and Baga.
“The parking lot at Baga was given by Calangute Comunidade for the purpose and there was no filling, but leveling of low-lying areas. There was nothing wrong in collecting parking fees which was meant to maintain the parking area and I don’t see any misuse of power,” stated Lobo.
“I will never take possession of the parking lot for personal or commercial use without any consent or understanding either from Calangute Comunidade or PWD who will be the ultimate owners after due land acquisition process. The question of misuse of parking lot will not arise,” added Lobo.
