VASCO
The MPT sent notices through post to the residents intimating them that their houses were on land owned by the MPT, adding that the land should be cleared of the houses under Public Premises Act 1971.
The MPT has directed them to vacate within 90 days, failing which it would be forced take action as per law including eviction under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act 1971.
“At present, about 50 residents have received notices through post signed by the MPT chief engineer and we do not know if any more are supposed to receive such notices,” said one resident.
Speaking to media persons, the affected residents claimed that their structures were built by their ancestors well before the MPT came into existence. They added that though the MPT took over the property from the government some 80 years back, they failed to serve such notices during these eight decades.
“Our house was built by my father who was then working in South Western Railways. Later, the MPT came and started operations, but all these years, the MPT never thought about this piece of land. Now, they suddenly want us to vacate the property and move elsewhere, which is incorrect and inhuman,” said former MMC Chairperson Shekar Khadapkar, one of the affected residents. “We all have been paying our house tax to the local municipal body since several decades and never thought that MPT would one day issue notices to us. This is a big shock to all of us,” said Khadapkar.
Another affected resident, Premanand Chodankar, added: “Although the land is taken over by the port, these houses were built during the Portuguese regime prior to the existence of MPT. We will not leave the place and are prepared to take all possible steps to fight against MPT’s illegal notices sent to us,” said Chodankar.
Sanjay Satardekar, who is one of the Board of Trustees at MPT said even he had received a call from one affected resident about the MPT eviction notice.
When efforts were made to contact MPT Chairman I Jayakumar, who is out of station, he stated that he was not aware of any such notices and said he would look into the matter.
