Margao: The Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council has rescheduled the site inspection of the jetty at Khamamol to April 2, after an earlier date of March 27 was dropped due to ‘administrative’ reasons.The inspection comes in the wake of a complaint filed by social activist Sushant Vasta and a group of local residents, who have alleged unauthorised construction and encroachment by a mining firm at Khamamol and demanded immediate stop-work orders and demolition of illegal structures.The complainants have alleged that the company erected two jetty-like structures that did not exist as recently as Dec 2021, as borne out by satellite imagery, and that the construction was carried out under the cover of a repair NOC.
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 6-m compound wall with metal sheet extensions, an unsanctioned 3-m sliding gate, and blockage of a traditional rainwater channel. Locals have also alleged obstruction of customary public access to the river, affecting local fishermen.
“We have been following up with the municipality over the construction of the jetty and other structures for the last three years; however, the municipality has been hiding the facts about construction licences and other approvals required for the construction,” said social activist Aditya Dessai.
