PORVORIM: Goa Housing Board (GHB) Porvorim has recommenced the work of new market complex at Alto Betim, following directives of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
It may be recalled that the GHB had commenced work on the new market complex near Hanuman temple at Alto Betim, after obtaining clearance from Town and Country Planning Department and a construction license from the Penha-de-Franca Panchayat.
However, a few residents of Porvorim gathered at the site on April 29 and stopped the work stating that the area should be reserved for playground and that, no commercial complex should come up at the site.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and Housing Board Chairman and Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo then referred the matter to the chief minister, who discussed the issue with the chairman and the GHB officials on June 30. He advised them to convene a meeting with those residents opposing the new market project.
Accordingly, the meeting was called on July 28 at the Secretariat, which was attended by a group of people from Porvorim opposing the project.
Parrikar informed the residents that the land belongs to Housing Board and that, the project had been approved by TCP and the panchayat.
“The residents need a good market and since this is a community project, there should be no opposition to the project. The provision for a playground has been included in the project. A good playground will be made available to the locals at a cost of about Rs 2 crore,” Parrikar told the residents.
When some residents tried to argue, Parrikar told them categorically that the project has to come in the interest of people and if they oppose it, he would be compelled to start the work under police protection. Parrikar later directed the GHB officials to restart the work.
Meanwhile, Porvorim Residents Association has convened a meeting on Sunday evening to chalk out its further course of action in light of the construction activities.
