MARGAO
A meeting called by the panchayat of Betalbatim was held on Sunday to brief the people on the construction coming up across the road opposite the Panchayat Ghar.
The meeting was addressed by Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes and other panchayat members, besides former MLA Mickky Pacheco, with the sarpanch explaining the people that the matter is before the High Court later this month.
On the other hand, the owner of the restaurant John Fernandes later told the media that he is building the structure with all legal permissions with clearance from the TCP.
Sarpanch Anthony told the media that the Sunday public meeting was called since the issue over the construction had figured at the last gram sabha meeting, with people pointing accusing fingers for turning a blind eye to the construction activity. “I have explained to the people that the Panchayat Secretary has given the licence for the construction based on TCP clearance. We had issued an order for the revocation of the licence, but the same was quashed and set aside by the Additional Panchayat Director. We have filed an appeal before the High Court and an order is expected to be pronounced later this month,” he informed.
John Fernandes, however, said the construction is being carried out as per the licence conditions.
