Congress Party spokesperson and Margao Congress Block Convener Savio Coutinho on Saturday accused the BJP-led Goa government of misusing government machinery and disaster management provisions to favour private real estate interests while leaving long-time occupants of a residential building vulnerable to eviction.
Addressing a press conference alongside residents of Indira Apartments at Sirvodem, Margao, Coutinho alleged that the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) issued a demolition order under Section 190 of the Goa Municipalities Act in connivance with a developer, despite the law providing occupants with an opportunity to undertake repairs before such drastic action is taken.
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He further claimed that the MMC Chief Officer would not have issued the demolition order without the knowledge and consent of PWD Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. According to Coutinho, the building’s occupants had approached Kamat several times seeking assistance regarding the long-pending issue.
Criticising the state government, Coutinho said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been promoting the “Mhaje Flat” scheme as an initiative to safeguard the rights of apartment buyers who do not possess valid sale deeds. However, he alleged that the Chief Minister’s Office simultaneously communicated with the Disaster Management Committee to expedite the demolition of Indira Apartments, which he claimed is in a better structural condition than several other ageing buildings in Margao.
He described the government’s approach as contradictory, stating that while the Chief Minister advocates resolving disputes through dialogue rather than litigation, the affected residents are instead being forced into expensive legal battles. Coutinho also alleged that public funds are being spent on legal proceedings to serve vested interests.
Speaking on behalf of the occupants, Viraj Amonkar said residents had invested their life savings in purchasing flats and commercial units in the building after the original developer abandoned the project due to financial difficulties. He said the occupants spent additional money to complete their respective units and were given possession letters by the builder, following which they have been residing there for more than two decades.
Amonkar alleged that after the property was sold to a businessman, the new owner filed a complaint with the MMC claiming the building was dilapidated and unsafe. Based on the complaint, the civic body issued demolition orders, which were subsequently challenged before the High Court. He stated that the High Court set aside the demolition order and directed the MMC Chief Officer to rehear the matter after providing a fair opportunity to all occupants.
However, Amonkar claimed that the Chief Officer relied on a structural assessment report from Goa Engineering College submitted by the complainant while disregarding another report presented by the occupants, which certified the building as structurally safe.
The residents criticised both the Margao Municipal Council and the local MLA for allegedly failing to support them and instead forcing them into prolonged legal proceedings. Coutinho assured the occupants that the Congress Party would continue to support their fight for justice and oppose what he termed as arbitrary action against the residents.
