MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has admitted ownership of the beachfront property in Vagator and stated that he is only planning to fence the area to prevent land grabbing.
Lobo clarified that no construction work had begun and that his primary goal was to protect the land from unauthorized encroachment.
“We have not started any work and do not intend to start any construction. We are only protecting our land. If we do not fence it, someone will stake claim over it, as has happened in the past,” Lobo stated.
The MLA rushed to the site upon learning that locals had gathered to protest alleged illegal construction on his property.
He explained that the land originally belonged to his relatives, who later transferred it to him after struggling with a land dispute.
According to Lobo, one Mohammad Hassan Shaikh had previously attempted to take over the property through a fraudulent sale deed and had even built three plinth structures before being stopped.
“My relatives were unable to handle the situation, so they handed over the property to me,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about the presence of sand and limestone on the site, Lobo claimed that the materials were being used for constructing a retaining wall along a nullah passing through the property.
“I have permission from the Water Resources Department (WRD) to construct the retaining wall within my property. The entire nullah needs proper development, but I can only work on my part,” he stated.
Additionally, Lobo mentioned plans to build a steel bridge for access to the property.
“We will create access by constructing a steel bridge, and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted permission for it,” he added.
