MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) which is known to be sluggish in taking action against complaints of illegal construction has issued stop work orders to two separate allegedly illegal constructions that were going on in Gaunsavaddo, Mapusa.
The MMC Officer, Chandrakant Shetkar, issued the order citing violations of the Goa Municipalities Act 1968, particularly Section 184(2), which mandates obtaining prior permission from the council for construction activities.
The directive instructs the owners, identified as Raju Badigar and Mario D’Souza, whose alleged illegal structures are situated opposite Priti International Hotel in Gaunsavaddo, Mapusa, to cease all ongoing construction immediately. Failure to comply will result in further legal actions against the owners.
A joint inspection regarding the matter has been scheduled for March 13 as per the order issued by the Chief Officer.
The initiation of this action comes following a complaint lodged by local councillor Prakash Bhivshet, who raised concerns about the alleged unauthorized construction within his ward.
Bhivshet brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Officer and the Chairperson of the MMC, as well as lodging a formal complaint with the Deputy Collector and the Mamlatdar of Bardez regarding the purported illegal construction activities.
Expressing his satisfaction with the swift response from the MMC, Bhivshet, an Independent councillor representing Ward 20, emphasized that previous complaints regarding similar violations had been overlooked by the municipality.
“This is the first time that MMC has taken quick and prompt action against an illegal construction in my ward. In the past when I complained about similar illegal constructions no action was forthcoming from the municipality,” Bhivshet said.
He has persistently advocated against illegal constructions within his jurisdiction, albeit without success until now.
The Gaunsavaddo area, particularly along the NH66, has reportedly been witnessing several illegal activities, including land filling of low-lying areas and dumping of debris, raising concerns among the locals.
