MAPUSA
Despite an ongoing controversy, work on the allegedly illegal construction on Comunidade land belonging to the Mapusa crematorium persists, albeit at a slower pace.
In a new development, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has prepared a stop-work order for the construction, but it awaits the signature of the Chief Officer, who is currently on leave. Sources indicate that the Chief Officer, absent since last week, is expected to return and sign the order on Wednesday, May 22.
The construction project has drawn significant criticism, with allegations of favouritism surfacing due to the structure being erected without the necessary permissions from relevant authorities.
Reports suggest the property is being developed into a workshop for a motor vehicle company, with connections to a prominent local politician affiliated with the ruling BJP government.
Despite complaints lodged with various authorities over a week ago, no action has been taken against the unauthorised construction.
Mapusa-based RTI activist Jawaharlal Shetye has been at the forefront of these efforts, filing a written complaint with the Chief Officer, Deputy Collector, North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), administrator of Comunidade, and Mapusa Police.
The complaint targets the Hindu Gramastha Sabha for initiating the construction on Comunidade land near the Hindu crematorium at Dattawadi, specifically on property bearing P T Sheet No. 112 of Chalta No. 1 of city survey Mapusa, without obtaining the required conversion sanad under the Goa Revenue Code or a valid construction licence from the MMC.
“It is requested that all concerned authorities intervene in the matter, take necessary steps, and start the process of demolishing the construction by following due process of law in the larger public interest,” Shetye stated in his complaint, submitted on May 14.
This is not the first instance of Shetye raising concerns over illegal constructions in the area. He previously lodged complaints against the unauthorised construction of houses and shops on Comunidade land surrounding the Hindu crematorium. However, no action has been taken on those complaints either.
