MAPUSA
With civic elections round the corner, illegal filling of land and construction activities have soared in different parts of Mapusa.
An alleged illegal construction work was started in full public glare along the Canca bypass in Khorlim, Mapusa, while another alleged illegal landfilling and construction has come up in a Comunidade field at Gaunsavaddo in Mapusa.
Besides, at least two stalls have overnight sprung up along the same Canca bypass in Khorlim, Mapusa.
Acting on the complaint of a local Jawaharlal Shetye, the Chief Officer of Mapusa Municipal Council, Kabir Shirgaonkar has issued a stop-work order to the owner of the construction, Sunil Govekar.
A joint inspection has also been fixed with the owner
and the civic officials on February 4.
The municipal officials in their preliminary inspection report found that excavation of 10 footing pits was carried out and steel reinforcement was also found stationed at the site. The construction of a boundary wall with laterite stones was also going on.
Directing to stop the work, the chief officer said the construction was being carried out without obtaining prior permission of the municipal council and in violation of section 184(2) of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968.
“I hereby direct you to stop the ongoing illegal construction work immediately, failing which further action will be initiated against you,” said Shirgaonkar in his order on January 22.
Ironically, despite the chief officer’s order, work on the site was going on in full swing.
In another complaint from Gaunsavaddo, Ms Iglesia Monteiro alleged that massive landfilling was carried out illegally in an agricultural field adjacent to her field. She also alleged that an illegal construction had been carried out in the property which was used for commercial activity.
She further said due to the filling of land, heavy water logging took place in her field due to which she could not carry out any cultivation.
Monteiro has submitted written complaints to various authorities such as the deputy collector, mamlatdar, Mapusa municipality and the police authorities.
Acting on the complaint, the Mapusa Municipal Council Chief Officer revoked the NOC for water and electricity connection issued to the beneficiary, Tarak Arolkar, as he was not residing in the premises.
“The NOC for water and electricity connection under the Health Act is to provide clean drinking water and electricity to needy people and as such it should not be used to perpetuate such illegality,” Shirgoankar said in his revocation order.
Sources informed that the Bardez Mamlatdar has directed the talathi to carry out an inspection of the alleged illegality at Gaunsavaddo, which has been fixed on January 25 (Monday).
