MAPUSA
Labelling the development of plots on the cricket ground in Cunchelim as “illegal”, the Cunchelim Cricket Ground Bachav Samiti (CCGBS) on Tuesday vowed not to allow any development activity on the ground and would soon meet the Governor and the Chief Minister on the issue.
The Samiti has also said it was ready to knock the doors of the courts if the local administration fails to give them justice.
The local ward councillor, Chandrashekar Benkar was of the opinion that the cricket ground should be retained and called for stoppage of work of development of plots in the open space.
“We will not leave this cricket ground to be developed into commercial plots come what may. We will meet the Governor and Chief Minister soon on the issue,” said Vijay Bhike, President of North Goa District Congress.
The CCGBS submitted a memorandum to the deputy collector against the “illegal” development of the open space which was used as a cricket ground in Cunchelim.
NCP General Secretary Sanjay Barde said the administration in the State has completely collapsed.
“This government is taking decisions behind closed doors without taking people into confidence. This government is encouraging illegal activities on the sly,” Barde alleged.
Shiv Sena State President Jitesh Kamat said Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) should immediately intervene and stop ongoing work on the cricket ground in Cunchelim.
“If some locals get together to stop ongoing work, there could be law and order problems there and the local civic body will be blamed for it,” Kamat said.
According to former chairperson and senior councillor, Sudhir Kandolkar, most of the open spaces were taken over by the government for development of playgrounds.
“Common man and local youth have no space to play or organise a sport. Most grounds in Mapusa like in the Peddem ground, Duler football ground and another ground in the Housing Board have been taken over by authorities and people are deprived of facilities,” Kandolkar said.
Local councillor, Chandrashekar Benkar informed that he has requested the MMC chairperson to stop the ongoing work on the cricket ground. Pravin Asolkar of Mapusa youth also spoke.
