Margao: Close on the heels of an agitation by Assolda residents over a proposed jetty in the village, residents of Curchorem have filed a complaint with the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, alleging unauthorised construction and encroachment by a mining firm at Khamamol. They have demanded immediate stop-work orders and demolition of illegal structures.Social activist Sushant Vasta and a group of local residents, in their complaint to the council’s chief officer and chairperson, have alleged that the company has erected two jetty-like structures that did not exist as recently as Dec 2021, according to satellite imagery. They have further contended that the structures were raised under the cover of a repair NOC, when they in fact constitute fresh construction.
The complaint has listed a series of alleged violations, including the erection of roofed permanent structures beyond the sanctioned NOC, land filling and RCC work in breach of conditions, a 6m compound wall with metal sheet extensions, an unsanctioned 3m sliding gate, and blockage of a traditional rainwater drainage channel. Residents also alleged obstruction of customary public access to the river, affecting local fishermen.Social activist Aditya Dessai said the issue has been festering for years. “We have been following up with the municipality over the construction of the jetty for the last three years; however, the municipality has been hiding the facts about construction licences and other approvals,” he said.At a meeting with the council chairperson, residents have claimed they were assured of a site inspection within a week, issuance of stop-work orders, and demolition if violations are confirmed. They have sought a written action-taken report within seven days. Copies of the complaint have been forwarded to the directorate of urban development.
