the goan I network
VASCO
Several residents in Vasco on Friday afternoon raised strong objection over dust pollution, after a housing society in the heart of the city began demolishing its own buildings declared unsafe by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).
According to sources, the housing society has been demolishing its buildings since the last few days and the dust pollution has been such that several residents and restaurants in the vicinity complained of dust flowing in their premises.
After activists and the NGO ‘Goa First’ complained about the activity and the resultant dust pollution to the MMC on Friday morning, it was revealed that the demolition was carried out without any intimation to MMC.
Speaking to reporters, activist Vikram Sarmalcar claimed the demolition activity was carried out without following norms or safety standards, adding there was no proper barricading at the site prior to the demolition.
“Since day one, the housing society involved in the demolition works has not taken any permission or followed guidelines. They have not displayed any permission on site nor have they taken anti-pollution measures. There is no clue where the debris will be taken after the demolition.”
“It is shocking that MMC has turned a blind eye to this illegal demolition going on in the heart of the city without any permission. What will the MMC do, now that the demolition work is almost over,” Sarmalcar added.
Goa First Convenor Parshuram Sonurlekar said he had filed a written complaint to the chief officer, after which it was revealed that no permission was granted to the society to carry out demolition on its own.
“This is shocking that several buildings are razed to the ground in the heart of the city without any permission. There were no safety standards adopted and the society must be taken to task for such an act and for endangering the lives of
others,” said Sonurlekar.
Informed housing society to stop demolition work: Chief Officer
VASCO: Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Angelo Fernandes confirmed that the housing society did not have any permission from MMC to carry out the demolition activity.
“We had identified many buildings in Vasco which seemed to be in dilapidated condition and accordingly, we had issued notices to them under Section 190 of the municipality act.”
“This society, however, did not come forward to clarify the matter and applied for demolition. We had not granted them permission as their application was under process,” said Fernandes.
“They have demolished the building without MMC permission. I sent my person to inspect the activity and realised that they have almost completed the demolition. We will take necessary action and we have now informed them to stop the work,” Fernandes added.
