MMC steps in and issues show-cause notice
MAPUSA
The renovation of a public well in Mapusa, sanctioned at a cost of ₹8.90 lakh by the Water Resources Department (WRD), has hit a roadblock after a neighbouring resident is alleged to have illegally erected a compound wall close to the site, obstructing reconstruction work.
The well, which partially collapsed during last year’s monsoon, was temporarily covered with rubble by the WRD to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard to nearby homes.
Recognising the importance of the well – which is still used by local families for water consumption – the department initiated plans to repair and restore it.
After following due procedures, including floating a tender, the WRD issued a work order to a contractor in March this year.
However, when the contractor and the Executive Engineer visited the site to begin the work, they discovered that a private compound wall had been constructed near the well, reportedly blocking access.
The wall has been allegedly built by Kundan Gadekar, a government official, without municipal permission. The WRD subsequently filed a complaint with the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), requesting urgent action to facilitate the reconstruction of the public utility.
Following the complaint, MMC Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar conducted an inspection of the site and confirmed the presence of the unauthorised structure.
In response, the council issued a show-cause notice to Gadekar, stating that the compound wall appears to violate Section 184(2) of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968.
“The said construction has been carried out without obtaining prior permission of this council,” the notice reads.
Gadekar has been given 15 days to respond and has been summoned for a personal hearing on July 13, where he will be required to explain why the illegal construction should not be demolished.
The incident has delayed much-needed restoration of the public well, with local residents hoping for swift resolution to regain access to the water source ahead of the peak monsoon season.
