the goan I network
PERNEM
A large number of parishioners from Morjim assembled for the second site inspection by the panchayat on Saturday morning, to strongly object two constructions near the church.
The parishioners of Our Lady of Miracles Church, Morjim, have been been stiffly opposing two structures being built close to the church premises and complained about the structures on September 22, voicing their objection in view of sanctity and holiness of the church.
On October 3, the Morjim panchayat issued notices to both parties concerned directing them to stop construction on grounds that they had not obtained permission.
The Panchayat had conducted a site inspection on October 14 and while one structure was found to be illegal as no permission had been issued by the panchayat, the other party sent a notice to the panchayat saying he could not be present for site inspection.
Following strong objections from the parishioners, the Morjim panchayat assured to conduct another site inspection of the second structure.
The second site inspection was conducted by the panchayat in the presence of many parishioners on Saturday, but the party concerned was not present yet again.
The panchayat carried out the inspection in his absence and confirmed that it was an illegal structure.
Speaking to reporters, Anita D’Souza said both constructions have been confirmed to be illegal by the panchayat.
“The parishioners strongly objected both structures and hence, the Morjim panchayat should take quick action to demolish them as early as possible as it goes against the sanctity of the church,” said D’Souza.
Another parishioner, Sarita D’Silva, said the illegal constructions around the church and the cemetery would obstruct services and activities conducted in the church. She also demanded that the Panchayat take strict action against the both constructions.
When contacted, Morjim Sarpanch Viashali Shetgaonkar said the panchayat had conducted a site inspection on Saturday and said the
party involved in the construction was not present at the site inspection.
Shetgaonkar confirmed that the second structure was also illegal as it did not have permission from the panchayat.
“A meeting will be conducted next week and the party will be issued a show-cause notice. Legal action will also be taken against the parties concerned,” said the sarpanch.
Woman accuses brother of illegal construction
PERNEM: The sister of the party involved in the illegal construction has stated that she had been kept in the dark regarding the construction and has demanded strict action by the Morjim panchayat.
In a letter to the Morjim panchayat on Friday, the woman said she is the legal co-owner of the plot, but said the construction did not have any consent nor permission from her.
“On the contrary, it is being done deliberately by keeping me in the dark.”
“I therefore insist on strict legal action to demolish the same as soon as possible as in many aspects it is unauthorised, illegal and forceful construction in somebody else’s property without permission from any authority.”
“It is surprising that although the entire village is raising its voice, the panchayat is not taking legal action to demolish the structure,” said the woman.
She has also asked the panchayat to intimate her on what action has been initiated by the panchayat.
Copies of her letter have been forwarded to the Director of Panchayats, Pernem BDO and the Morjim parish priest.
