margao
The panchayat action came after former Navelim MLA Avertano, local Zilla panchayat member Ulhas Tuemkar and other panch members stormed the panchayat demanding an immediate halt to what they claimed as illegal work.
Panchayat secretary Custodio Faria told the media that the panchayat’s stop work order will go to the concerned party to immediately stop work on the erection of the mobile tower. The panchayat’s decision assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of demands made by the local residents to stop work on the project and raze down the illegal tower.
Both Avertano and Ulhas claimed that the construction work has no TCP clearance nor permissions from other agencies, including health, insisting that construction work cannot start with a plain NOC from the panchayat body.
When the media confronted the panchayat secretary with the claim made by the residents, he pointed out that the panchayat had passed a resolution to give NOC for the tower construction, while reminding that the secretary only implements the decision of the body. The residents, however, maintained that the secretary cannot escape the responsibility on grounds that he is bound to guide the panchayat on construction matters.
Reiterating his support for the agitated residents of Rumdamol housing board, Avertano said he had stopped the tower work when it had commenced during his tenure, adding that he has no knowledge who work has resumed at the spot after the election. “I have come here since the residents called me today. I will fight alongside the people till the panchayat initiates action,” Avertano added.
