MARGAO: Following the revelation that Fatorda and Margao’s WiFi towers are illegal, Former Fatorda MLA Damu Naik has alleged that the WiFi project is a Rs 200 crore scam happening across Goa, and that Reliance Jio – the tower owners – had connived with the Fatorda MLA and PWD for the same. He has demanded an inquiry in the matter and threatened to move the court no action is taken. At a press briefing on Monday, Naik alleged that the Reliance and its sub-contractors had bypassed the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the environment and electricity departments, and several other authorities. The Electricity Department had given its NOC on June 24, whereas the towers were functional and inaugurated by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai on June 14. “Reliance has blatantly bypassed NHAI, MMC and other authorities. Additionally, a third-party consultancy firm San Logistics has signed an agreement with two men Sushant Ghodge and Ulan Antao, who are close aids of the local MLA, for leasing land and construction of the towers. Do we live in a banana republic?” said Naik, adding, “The PWD has shockingly stated that is has given permission and it is not concerned about other permissions or authorities.” He continued, “The agreement also speaks of giving rent of Rs 30,000 per month to the MMC. Going by the figures in towns across India, companies pay Rs 2 lakh on an average against rent to the local self-government bodies. If the companies are asked to pay money, the municipality or panchayat will be loaded with more money than the casinos. earn for the state.” Naik said.
also criticized the government and police for being silent spectators in the issue. He is preparing to file a writ petition against the violations and claims that he has already completed the formalities. Several towers have been installed in Margao in the last week, raising apprehension among the locals. Several complaints from residential societies and NGOs have been flooding the police inspector’s office for weeks now. On Sunday, the contractor’s supervisor was asked to sign an undertaking to not start work without proper permissions.
