VASCO: Amidst the heated arguments over the NOC granted by the panchayat secretary for the Mini India Park project without intimating the panchayat, Quelossim gram sabha on Sunday once again resolved to oppose and revoke the NOCs granted for project.
It was also resolved that any permissions for this project would be given only after the gram sabha discusses the issue and approves the permission.
Expressing anger at Secretary Narayan Ajgaonkar for issuing the NOC, the villagers grilled the secretary for issuing the NOC for the project despite strong opposition by the gram sabha.
Some gram sabha members also questioned whether the secretary can grant NOCs to big projects keeping the panchayat in the dark.
When contacted, Secretary Ajgaonkar said that the NOC was issued on condition that before commencing any work, NOCs from the other departments should be obtained. Ajgaonkar maintained that he issued the NOC as per law. “The NOC was issued in pursuance of a judgment dated January 21, 2020 passed by Additional Director of Panchayats-II (South) at Margao,” he said.
He informed that a letter dated February 5 relating to renewal of NOC for setting up a floating platform at Quelossim in survey 170/0 was issued by Captain of Ports. “Further, the memorandum dated February 4, relating to execution of order passed by higher authorities issued by Director of Panchayats, received through Block Development officer dated February 6,” he said.
“Presently, the NOC granted for the project has been withdrawn and revoked and the revocation letter has also been sent to the project proponent. If people feel that I am wrong, then, they can even contact my superiors and inquire instead of portraying me a bad,” Ajgaonkar challenged.
When contacted on this issue, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho said that, in his opinion, the secretary has granted the NOC as per the law and directives.
“What can the secretary do if the decisions are passed by his higher authorities; he has no option than abide by them. If people have some problems with the project, then, they should go through proper channel. I don’t understand why people are running helter skelter and creating more complications, when they can come to me and put their objections before me,” the minister said.
