MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Council has decided to keep on hold the issuance of NOCs for water, power and sewerage connections in respect of illegal structures, with Chief Officer Rohit Kadam saying the civic body has sought clarity of certain aspects of the government circular on the issue.
He told the media on Tuesday that his office has sought clarity on a Chief Secretary’s circular dated February 2021, wherein it has made clear that a construction license or occupancy certificate issued by the municipal or panchayat body is sufficient for the grant of water, electricity and sewerage connection, and no further NOCs from the local bodies shall be insisted by the services providing departments/agencies.
“This circular is clear that no NOCs from the local bodies will be insisted by the PWD or electricity department since the construction license or the occupancy certificate issued by the municipal or panchayat body is sufficient for the grant of water and electricity connection,” Kadam said.
He added: “The only question now left to be answered is whether the illegal houses and structures can apply for NOCs from the local bodies, including the municipality or panchayat for the water and power connection. My office has sought clarity on the matter with the higher authorities. Till such time, the higher authorities clarify on the legal position, the issuance of NOCs on the application for power, water and sewerage connection has been kept on hold”.
The Chief Officer’s decision to implement the Chief Secretary’s order dated February 2021 has kicked up a row of sorts in the corridors of the civic body. The issue had also figured at the Sunday Dialogues hosted by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai wherein citizens had drawn the attention of the MLA to the MMC’s decision not to issue NOCs for water, power and sewerage connections.
The Fatorda MLA had promised the citizens on Sunday to take up the matter with the Health Minister, pointing out that the provision for NOCs for power, water and sewerage connections was made for the benefit of the poorest of the poor in the urban areas, who had to go without the basic facilities of light and water due to a host of reasons, including hurdles raised by the landlords.
