Margao (Goa): The Shadow Council Of Margao along with the residents of Khareband/Kharelem held a protest against the rampant increase of hutments and the filling of low-lying land for demarcation of plots for migrants.

The people gathered at the site were shocked when a plan supposedly prepared by an MMC councilor surfaced, showing plots ranging from 100 sq.mts to 130 sq. mts.

The SCM and the residents have been complaining since last year, over the mushrooming of illegal hutments in the area. Recently, it was noticed that someone was filling up the low-lying land along river Sal and plots were demarcated thereupon. It was also noticed that huge rain trees were being felled, shockingly with the permission of the forest department.

SCM convener Savio Coutinho said that the manner in which plots have been demarcated and drawn, they cannot be approved by any authority as per the existing laws. Coutinho was very critical over the fact that the “Goenkars” have to run from pillar to post to get approvals for house construction, whereas migrants can set up houses anywhere, and are provided with all the facilities free of cost. And once they are enrolled on the voters list, nobody dares to touch them, stated Coutinho.

A fresh complaint has been filed by the residents today with the South Goa Collector, Chief Officer  of MMC , Sewerage Department and Forest Department.

Team TNV