Locals threaten contempt case against civic bodies
MARGAO
Citizens of Margao have threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and the PWD if the “government-sponsored encroachments” on the Margao Ring Road are not stopped forthwith.
While condemning what they termed “destructive development” undertaken on the Margao Ring Road, Congress leader Savio Coutinho said that around 27 kiosks/gaddas are sought to be set up under the guise of constructing a promenade.
Addressing the media at the Margao Ring Road along with Radha Kavlekar, Clifford Dias, Iftiyaz Shaik, Aziz Shah, Camilo Camara and Anwar Naroo, Coutinho raised strong objections to the so-called development undertaken by the GSIDC along the Ring Road stretch from KRC Railway Station/Fire Station to Power House junction.
Saying that construction of a “promenade”, on which 27 kiosks/gaddas are proposed to be constructed along the Ring Road, he further stated that this development work is allegedly in contempt of High Court Order 148/1997.
“The people of Margao are shocked by this new development, which is likely to reduce this all-important part of the Ring Road from 20 metres to just 7 metres carriageway. We fail to understand how the MMC and PWD have given their written consent, failing to realise that this road is of significant importance, considering the Margao Railway Station is an important junction,” Coutinho wondered.
Claiming that this development is totally in contempt of High Court Order 148/1997 and a fit case for initiating contempt proceedings against the authorities responsible, the Margao Congress Block demanded that the consent given by the MMC and PWD be immediately withdrawn and the ongoing illegal work on the Ring Road be stopped. “Failure to stop the work will compel the citizens to initiate contempt proceedings,” he said.
Damodar Onskar cautioned the people of Margao not to be lured by the promise of getting a kiosk, saying the work is illegal and appropriate legal action shall be initiated against the activity.
