Civic chair says dredging could lead to collapse of houses
the goan I network
VASCO
Speaking to The Goan after the MMC meeting on Friday, Naik was informed about public concerns put forth during the public hearing on Thursday that the dredging activity at the port would lead to landslides and damage to houses in Headland Sada and Jetty area.
Clarifying on these concerns, the MPT circulated printed matter at the public hearing on Friday, stating that most houses which have mushroomed in recent times on the hill close to MPT are illegal and built with scant regards to planning and engineering safety norms. The MPT also claimed that these structures were not at all threatened by port activities.
Taking strong exception to MPT’s claims, Naik said, “Though the houses may be illegal, the MPT is not the authority to decide what is legal or illegal, as there are other authorities to look into the matter. If the houses at Headland Sada are illegal, then all MPT housing colonies and even the administrative building would be illegal and have been constructed without plans being approved by the Vasco Planning and Development Authority and construction license from MMC.”
“The hillock has become weak due to movement of heavy trucks plying in and out of the port, due to which there are landslides. If MPT goes ahead with capital dredging over a period of time, the entire hillock could collapse and threaten the lives of many residents and MPT will be held responsible,” added Naik.
