Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council Reschedules Khamamol Jetty Inspection to April 2
The Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council in Goa has officially rescheduled the crucial site inspection of the controversial jetty at Khamamol to April 2. This decision comes after the previously planned inspection date of March 27 was abruptly cancelled due to what authorities have cited as "administrative reasons". The inspection is now set to proceed next week, marking a significant development in an ongoing local dispute.
Activist Complaint Triggers Municipal Action
The inspection has been initiated directly in response to a formal complaint filed by prominent social activist Sushant Vasta and a coalition of concerned local residents. The complaint alleges serious unauthorized construction and blatant encroachment activities by a mining company operating at the Khamamol site. The activists have urgently demanded that the municipality issue immediate stop-work orders and proceed with the demolition of all illegal structures that have been erected without proper authorization.
Detailed Allegations of Construction Violations
The complaint document presents a comprehensive list of alleged violations, supported by compelling evidence. Key allegations include:
- The construction of two substantial jetty-like structures that, according to satellite imagery analysis, did not exist as recently as December 2021.
- This construction was allegedly carried out under the deceptive guise of a repair No Objection Certificate (NOC), misleading authorities.
- Erection of permanent, roofed structures that exceed the scope and specifications of any sanctioned NOC.
- Unauthorized land filling and reinforced cement concrete (RCC) work conducted in clear breach of established conditions.
- Construction of a 6-meter high compound wall with additional metal sheet extensions, alongside an unsanctioned 3-meter sliding gate.
- Blockage of a traditional rainwater drainage channel, posing environmental and flooding risks.
Impact on Local Community and Fishermen
Beyond the structural violations, local residents have reported a severe impact on their daily lives and livelihoods. The complainants allege that the unauthorized construction has effectively obstructed customary public access to the river. This obstruction is particularly detrimental to the local fishing community, whose traditional access routes to the water have been compromised, affecting their ability to fish and sustain their livelihoods.
Years of Activist Pursuit and Alleged Municipal Inaction
Social activist Aditya Dessai has highlighted a pattern of prolonged inaction by the municipal authorities. "We have been diligently following up with the municipality regarding the construction of this jetty and the associated structures for the past three years," Dessai stated. "However, the municipality has consistently withheld critical information and hidden facts pertaining to construction licenses and other mandatory approvals required for such developments." This statement underscores a deeper issue of transparency and accountability within local governance.
The rescheduled inspection on April 2 represents a pivotal moment for the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council. It will determine the validity of the activists' claims and could lead to significant enforcement actions against the mining company. The outcome is eagerly awaited by the local community, environmental advocates, and stakeholders concerned with regulatory compliance and the preservation of public access to natural resources in Goa.
