MARGAO
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday warned that a police case (FIR) will be filed against anyone found cutting roads to lay water pipelines without written permission from the PWD Principal Chief Engineer.
Speaking to the media on the first day of his Janata Darbar at the South Goa District Collectorate, Kamat said even permissions issued by the district collector will not protect violators from criminal action.
“I have given clear instructions to PWD officials to file an FIR against anyone who cuts hot-mixed roads to lay pipelines without written approval from the PWD Principal Chief Engineer. Even if permission is taken from the district collector, written approval from the PWD is still mandatory,” Kamat said.
After hearing grievances from residents of Margao and Salcete, Kamat added that citizens can WhatsApp him photos of potholes for quick action. “The PWD has an app and a system where any issue sent by the Minister is attended to by staff and resolved by 5 pm the same day,” he said.
On the issue of parking at the land acquired by the Margao Municipality opposite the KTC bus stand, Kamat said the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) will soon float a tender to develop the area into a paid parking zone.
He added that GSUDA will also invite tenders for a multi-level parking lot behind the Margao Municipal building, while the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) is preparing a plan to redevelop the old bus stand area.
Kamat further said the Margao Municipality stands to earn about Rs 1 crore once Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum clear their pending dues.
