MARGAO: The Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) along with the residents of Khareband/Kharelem held a protest against the rampant increase in hutments and the filling of low laying land for demarcation of plots for migrants.
The people gathered at the site were shocked when a plan supposedly prepared by a MMC councillor surfaced, showing plots ranging from 100 sq mts to 130 sq mts.
The Shadow Council for Margao and the residents have been complaining for over a year about the mushrooming of illegal hutments in the area. However, instead of any action, the situation there is turning from bad to worse. Recently, it was noticed that someone was filling up low lying land along River Sal and plots were demarcated thereupon. It was also noticed that huge rain trees were being felled, shockingly with the permission of the forest department.
Shadow Council for Margao convenor Savio Coutinho alleged that the manner in which plots have been demarcated and drawn could not be approved by any authorities as per existing laws.
He was very critical over the fact that the ”Goenkars” have to run from pillar to post to get approvals for house construction.
Whereas migrants can set up houses anywhere, and are provided with all facilities free of cost. And once they are enrolled on the voters list, nobody dares to touch them, Coutinho alleged.
Agostinho Gama alleged that a nullah that existed along the southern side of land bearing ch.No.7 of P.T.S. 258 has been filled up with mud and hutments are constructed on that area.
He warned that in case the concerned authorities do not take necessary action in the matter, the locals would be compelled to take law in their hands, and the authorities would have to be responsible for any law and order situation.
Radha Kavlekar wondered as to why no action has been taken by the authorities. A fresh complaint has been filed by the residents with the South Goa Collector, Chief Officer of MMC, Sewerage Department and Forest Department.
Meanwhile, MMC Chief Officer Yashwant Tawde said they had issued a show cause notice to the violator and were awaiting a reply.
