PORVORIM: On Thursday, BJP MLAs from Mormugao, Krishna Salkar and Sankalp Amonkar urged the State government to petition the Union Defence Ministry seeking an exemption for Goa from the order that makes it mandatory to obtain permission from Naval authorities for constructing any structure within 500 metres of defence establishments.
“I request the government to lead a delegation to the Union Defence Ministry and seek exemption. We need to urge the Centre to adopt a sympathetic approach towards Goa and its people. For a small State like Goa, a 500-metre buffer is not feasible,” demanded Salkar on the Floor of the House.
Salkar, the Vasco MLA, informed the State Legislative Assembly about the growing concern and anxiety among the locals in Mormugao taluka, where development and construction activities have come to a standstill for the past year due to the Defence Ministry’s order.
“Several construction permits have been stalled. Locals who own properties are unable to construct houses or any other structures within 500 metres of defence establishments, as the naval authorities are either delaying or refusing permissions without any reason,” said the MLA.
“People are suffering. These locals have purchased properties by taking bank loans. They are going through depression, and we need to bring this to the notice of the Defence Ministry,”he added.
He suggested that permission should be made mandatory for construction within 10 meters of the naval base, as Goa is a small state, and the 500-meter rule is feasible for larger states.
MLA Amonkar, representing Mormugao, brought to the House’s attention that despite having prior permissions before the order came into force, the locals are being harassed and forced to obtain fresh permission from naval authorities.
“Fresh permissions are not being granted, as the Navy is refusing them. I request the government to exempt those who have already received permissions, at least for the time being, so that they can proceed with the construction of their houses,” he said.
