MAPUSA
Public pressure and imminent civic elections have apparently forced the Mapusa Municipal Council to call for withdrawal of permission for development of open playgrounds in Cunchelim.
The city-fathers, who were tight-lipped for the last six months, even as civil groups and opposition politicians raised the issue of illegal development of the Cunchelim playgrounds, on Tuesday, unanimously resolved to recommend NGPDA to revoke the provisional NOC issued for sub-division of land encompassing the playgrounds at Cunchelim.
The council also resolved to direct the chief officer to ascertain whether the sub-division of plots was done as per the law and if not, to revoke the construction licence to the Cunchelim comunidade.
On Tuesday, one councillor after the other while addressing the ordinary council meeting stressed the need to reserve an open ground for common man in Mapusa.
Setting the ball rolling, senior councillor, Sandip Falari said the Cunchelim football and cricket grounds were traditional grounds and the only open ground facility available for sports lovers and general public in Mapusa.
He further said unhindered access was not available to common man at the two other playgrounds in Mapusa “ Duler and Peddem “ which were in the hands of sports bodies.
“We should not be mute spectators. As an elected council, it is our bounden duty to protect the interest of the people and see that open grounds are protected. Let us not behave like politicians but be like one who can safeguard the interest of locals,” Falari said.
He said there appeared to be a technical error while granting approvals for sub-division of the plots in the land housing the playgrounds.
“The land where sub-division of plots is proposed is quite clear that part of the land is under settlement area and part is under recreation. The open space is not shown in the settlement area which is being developed but it is shown in adjacent recreation area,” he pointed out and called for revocation of the permission by NGPDA and MMC on this technical flaw.
He also referred to the unfolding of events in connection with the protests against the development of the Cunchelim playgrounds and some political parties trying to use the issue to score points.
Councillor Chandrashekar Benkar highlighted the significance of an open ground in Mapusa for the common man.
“The council should on priority pass a resolution to withdraw the permission issued to the comunidade to develop the Cunchelim playgrounds,” pleaded Benkar, who is the local councillor of the ward.
Councillors, Tushar Tople, Rajsingh Rane and Sudhir Kandolkar also spoke passionately to retain the playgrounds for posterity.
Our decision shows we are with people of Cunchelim: MLA
MAPUSA: Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza said with the passing of the council resolution, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has shown that it was with the people of Cunchelim and the issue of the ground has been resolved.
“I had said that if there are any illegalities in the project then I will be with the people and ensure that the project is stopped. Our ex-chairperson Sandip Falari who is an architect has found out that there was a slight glitch while seeking approval for the plan,” D’Souza said.
“The comunidade which is developing the plots have shown open space in the recreation zone which is illegally done or the authorities were misguided while taking the approvals. We have therefore passed a resolution asking the NGPDA and the chief officer to revoke the permission for sub-division of the plots,” he added.
The Mapusa MLA said that the resolution showed that the Mapusa Council supported the people of Cunchelim.
