Work is underway on fencing of land amid police presence at Sada-Vasco.
VASCO
The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) began fencing work at Sada, Mormugao, on Wednesday under heavy police deployment, following a directive by the High Court of Bombay at Goa to secure the disputed port land where the shed popularly known as 'Murgao Cha Raja' was demolished.
South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, Deputy Collector and SDM Mormugao Prataprao Gaunkar, Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, senior police officers Nalasco Raposo and Gurudas Kadam, along with MPA officials, were present to oversee the operation.
The High Court, through its November 3 order, directed the authorities to provide effective police protection to the MPA to complete the fencing work. The court observed that although the demolition order had been implemented and the shed removed, the land still needed to be secured through fencing to prevent further encroachment. It also took serious note of the October 7 incident, during which MPA officials were allegedly assaulted while attempting to secure the property.
Taking cognisance of the situation, the Mormugao Sub-Divisional Magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, around the port land in Vasco. The restrictions, which came into effect on November 3, will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 5.
In its directive, the High Court instructed the South Goa Collector and SP South Goa to personally supervise the security arrangements and ensure that the fencing work is completed. The Bogda Police Station Inspector has also been directed to provide adequate police assistance to the MPA.
The fencing operation is expected to take up to two days, with authorities required to ensure that the work proceeds without obstruction.
The High Court has further directed the Collector and SP South Goa to submit a compliance report on the implementation of its directions.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on November 5, when the Court is expected to review the progress of the fencing work and compliance with its November 3 order.
