MARGAO
It seems it is about time the Margao Municipal Council should clear the air about its decision of acquiring the property in Kharebandh bearing survey no. 203 and measuring 15,165 sq meters.
For, the Council's decision to rush with a resolution at the special meeting held last week has thrown up more questions than answers, more so when city-based NGOs had last year complained that plots admeasuring 100 sq. mts are being proposed on survey No 203 at Khareband by throwing laid down norms to the winds. Even Margao Municipal Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai seemed to have no clarity on why the Municipality was rushing in to acquire the land.
When the media had questioned the MMC Chairperson after the meeting, Babita said the land was required for a multi purpose utility project. At one point, she said the decision has been taken in view of the haphazard development taking place at the Khareband area. And, later she pointed out that the land can be used for a parking lot, which raised many eyebrows since the land in question is located on the outskirts of the city.
There was also an instance where she said the land in question falls close to the ring road, but was quick to correct herself by saying it is located close to the western bypass, without realizing that the western bypass passes through Benaulim to Navelim over the River Sal after the Karle property.
Since the Margao Council's decision to acquire the land in question involves huge financial implications, as the new Land Acquisition Act mandates payment of compensation, which works out twice the amount in an urban area, voices demanding clarity from the Civic body, more so from the Municipal Chairperson have come out in certain quarters, with the Shadow Council for Margao expressing shock over the sudden thought and decision of the Margao Municipal Council to acquire land at Khareband supposedly for public utilities.
"A year ago, we had complained over illegal development of small plots, most appropriate for a migrant colony. Low lying catchment area was illegally filled up and small plots admeasuring around 100 sq.mts were demarcated. Upon inquiries, the SCM managed to get a plan of the plots prepared by a Councilor. After written complaints to all the concerned authorities namely District Collector, MMC, TCP, Sewerage Dept, no action was taken whatsoever. It was indeed shocking for us to learn about the proposal for acquisition of exactly the same land that we had pointed out of being developed into slum like colony", stated convenor of SCM Mr. Savio Coutinho.
Saying the exact motive and intention of the Council is not transparent, Coutinho said the Shadow Council for Margao demand that the Council comes clear on this proposal.
