MARGAO: Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), admitted to an error in his office, acknowledging the issuance of a trade license for carrying out commercial activities in an unsafe building in Margao. Shirodkar, while addressing reporters on Friday, clarified that he attended the opening function of the commercial establishment only after confirming the possession of a trade license from the civic body by the trader.
The South Goa District Collector recently issued an order instructing the Margao Municipality to demolish one of the unsafe buildings. Surprisingly, a few days prior, the civic body had granted a trade license for commercial operations in the same building, despite being aware of its unsafe condition.
Chairperson Shirodkar defended the decision, stating, “Before the commencement of commercial activities in the building, I had a conversation with the owner. He assured me that the building would be demolished next year, and the ground floor was leased for commercial activity for just six months.”
Reacting to the Collector’s demolition order, former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho criticised the Margao Municipal Council, asserting that it should be ashamed of its actions. Coutinho accused the Chief Officer and the Chairperson of being influenced by political leaders, describing them as ‘puppets’. He expressed disappointment at their compliance with political directives, calling for a vigilance inquiry into the issuance of a trade license for a dilapidated building that had received a notice under Section 190. Coutinho was surprised to learn that, despite the Collector’s order issued on November 13, Chief Officer Gaurish Sankwalkar has yet to take action, speculating on possible political interference.
