Parrikar to study charges of illegal constructions

Parrikar to study charges of illegal constructions
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, APRIL 24
Panjim MLA and Chairman of Sub Committee Manohar Parrikar to study the projects under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has said that he will study the allegations of illegal constructions mushrooming around St Inez Creek, a Rs 17 crore project which is taken up for development under the centrally funded scheme.
Parrikar’s intervention came after JNNURM’s sub committee members and citizens raised their apprehensions about the structures bordering this creek.
“There should be proper access to the creek. The area surrounding the creek is declared as no development zone,” Parrikar told Herald today.
“I will investigate into the matter. I have received certain representations on this issue,” he added.
The St Inez Creek criss-crossing the capital city of Panjim is scheduled to be taken up for upgradation under JNNURM. The project is hanging fire due to technical difficulties.
In the last sub committee meeting the members including Patricia Pinto, Nandkumar Kamat, Dr Joe D’Souza and others strongly expressing their discontent over the constructions that have sprung along the water body.
“It’s only because of all these illegalities that the project has been kept on hold. We can go ahead with the beautification of the creek once all these illegal constructions and hutments are removed,” Dr D’Souza, member of sub-committee said.
CREEK: Dr D’Souza said that the water body has been officially declared as creek to control flooding during monsoons.
“The Central Government in its directives under JNNURM has ordered the State Government not to carry out any sort of construction within 15 mts of the creek, which is a natural water body and need space for its beautification,” Dr D’Souza stated.
A lone JCB working at the site near the St Inez Creek has levelled mud to lay a seven meter broad road on more than 300 meter stretch on the bank of the creek.
Though the members call it illegal, Anil Counto of Alcon Group, which is laying the road has said that he has received all the necessary approvals from the departments like North Goa Planning and Development Authority, Taleigao Panchayat and from Coastal Zone Management Authority.
However, Dr D’Souza alleged that all the government machinery is backing up the illegalities. “Without government support such thing cannot last for long,” he added.
The St Inez creek beautification project has missed the first slot of projects forwarded to center for fundings under JNNURM.