Panaji: Minister for Town and Country planning (TCP) Viaji Sardesai today urged Oppositions to debate and endorse on the Floor of the House for granting more powers to the department to act against illegalities.
Speaking during the Question Hour, Sardesai said that under planning areas, the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has the powers under Section 53 of the TCP Act to take action and demolish the unauthorized structure. “However, in case of non-planning area, PDA has no powers. Only the local governing bodies like Panchayat, needs to act,” he stated.
“If House unanimously agrees that we need to act even in the non-planning areas, than we have to extend the Section 52 and 53 of the Act, which will empower PDAs to come down heavily on the illegal structures, even in those areas. We will have to bring in an amendment. Let the House debate and discuss on it. Let the House decide whether TCP should be given more powers or not,” Sardesai said.
“Let opposition tell me…or is it that they want to consult outside people…non elected members and then take a stand??…i would say take stand now itself,” Minister said hinting at Congress’s support to the anti-TCP protestors.
Sardesai was replying to the question were raised by Mandrem Congress MLA Dayanand Sopte.
Sopte pointed out before House that there are total eleven projects in his constituency, where the department has granted permissions without proper verification.
MLA pointed out that one project by Mahaseer Hotels Pvt. Ltd at Ashwem, which was granted technical clearance for a hotel project, has now illegally converted the same into construction of villas. He demanded action in the matter.
