MAPUSA
Two Candolim residents have alleged that a road-widening exercise in Sinquerim is being carried out without following the legal process and have sought immediate intervention from the State government. In a detailed representation submitted to CM Pramod Sawant, Chief Secretary and various government departments, Glen Fernandes and Derrick Gonsalves have warned that they will approach the Bombay HC at Goa if no action is taken.
The representation has also been sent to the North Goa Collector, Additional Collector (Land Acquisition), Superintendent of Police (North), Calangute Police Inspector, Candolim panchayat, Directorate of Vigilance, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Public Works Department (PWD), Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), Directorate of Panchayats and other authorities.
The residents have alleged that the road-widening work in Sinquerim, linked to Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, is being carried out without completing the required land acquisition process or obtaining necessary approvals from competent authorities. They have requested the government to verify the legality of the work and stop it if any violations are found.
The complainants have claimed that some property owners, including senior citizens, widows and families living outside Goa, are being asked to give up portions of their land without proper legal protection. They have urged authorities to ensure that any acquisition of private property is carried out strictly according to law, with due safeguards for landowners.
Citing constitutional protections and provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the residents stated that road widening must follow the prescribed legal procedure, including land acquisition wherever required. They have also referred to recent court directions on demolition and land-related matters, asking authorities to examine whether the ongoing work complies with legal requirements.
The residents have sought an independent inquiry and appropriate action if any irregularities are found. They have cautioned that failure by authorities to act will leave them with no option but to seek judicial intervention before the High Court. The complaint includes photographs and copies of documents which the residents claim support their allegations.
Lobo denies road-widening claim, says only utility works underway
MAPUSA: Responding to the allegations, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo denied that any road widening was being carried out in the area, saying the ongoing work was limited to the construction of utility ducts, drains and a footpath. Lobo said the work was linked to an upcoming hotel project, whose approved plans provide for a 12.5-metre setback from the centre of the road. He said the developer had surrendered the required land to the Candolim panchayat and the Public Works Department (PWD), which would be used for parking, underground utility services and a footpath.
Lobo asserted that no additional land was being taken from local residents. “Residents had already given around two metres earlier for the footpath. We are not taking even an inch of anyone’s land,” he said.
He added that the PWD had awarded a Rs 7.5-crore tender for the work and that he was only helping residents ensure that no private land was affected. Lobo maintained that no land would be acquired without following the legal procedure.
