Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a series of issues, including the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for phase two of the Vaddem Lake beautification project, the regularization of 540 tenements under the Goa Housing Board (GHB), and the contentious occupancy issue for Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
While the meeting initially proceeded smoothly, tensions flared when the topic of GSL’s occupancy was raised.
Several councillors voiced opposition, refusing to support the occupancy due to a lack of benefits for locals. The matter was eventually deferred, with plans for a special meeting to discuss it further with GSL officials.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker, speaking to the media after the meeting, explained the core issue.
“The main concern was about GSL’s compound wall, which has been in place for over 40 years. However, the new GSL building did not secure an occupancy certificate due to a lack of setback,” Borker noted.
He added that some councillors argued against granting occupancy, claiming it was illegal and that GSL has not provided job opportunities to local residents.
Borker also highlighted the council’s request for community support from GSL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
“MMC has submitted several proposals to GSL for CSR contributions, such as providing a hearse van, but they have yet to take action,” he said.
In addition to the GSL discussion, MMC granted the NOC for the Vaddem Lake beautification project and reviewed the regularization of the GHB units at New Vaddem, addressing longstanding community concerns.
