VASCO
The Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) on Thursday continued its drive to partially demolish three houses in the Airport Funnel Zone (AFZ) at Dabolim.
The MPDA drive on Thursday also had a large police force in place fearing law and order situation in the area.
A total of 3 houses were partially demolished in the drive on Thursday even as the house owners maintained that they had all the valid permission and approvals including the Navy’s NOC.
"We have all the permissions from all authorities like the MPDA, TCP, Panchayat and the Navy as well, but the Navy has sent us a notice that we are in a height violation. They had earlier issued us a permission to construct a house of 3.5 metres but now they want to demolish the roof and reduce the height by another 1.10 meters, leaving us with around 1.90 metres,” complained a resident.
“This drive has been going on for the last 10 days. It is unfortunate and sad that after spending so much money and taking all the permissions, we will be forced to stay on the road with our family. We have spent all our money to purchase the land and constructed these houses and we will not be able to build anything anywhere. We have written letters to the high court, MPDA and even approached the Supreme Court.”
“We had even asked sought time till February 26 for the Supreme Court decision, after which they could have taken the required action. One hearing of the Supreme Court was also conducted and they gave us time to submit our documents. But despite all this, the MPDA is carrying out the demolition drive here.”
“We can now only hope the government can help us and give us compensation or give us a house elsewhere because we are almost finished financially as well and will not be able to bear any more financial burden,” said the resident.
