Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) commenced fencing work at Sada, Mormugao, on Wednesday under heavy police security, following a Bombay High Court directive to secure the disputed port land where the shed popularly known as ‘Murgao Cha Raja’ was demolished.
The operation began amid heightened security, with a large police contingent deployed at the site to prevent any untoward incident. South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, Deputy Collector and SDM Mormugao Prataprao Gaunkar, Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, senior police officers Nalasco Raposo and Gurudas Kadam, along with MPA officials, were present to oversee the operation.
Through its November 3 order in Contempt Petition No. 21/2026, the High Court directed the authorities to provide effective police protection to the MPA to complete fencing of the disputed land situated at Chalta No. 1, P.T. Sheet No. 7, Vasco city.
The Court observed that although the demolition order had been implemented and the shed removed, the land still needed to be secured through fencing to prevent further encroachment. It also took serious note of the October 7 incident, during which MPA officials were allegedly assaulted while attempting to secure the property.
In view of the situation and apprehension of possible law-and-order issues, the Mormugao Sub-Divisional Magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in the vicinity of the port land at Vasco.
The restrictions, which came into effect on November 3, will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 5. The orders are intended to prevent gatherings or activities that could obstruct the fencing operation or disturb public peace.
The High Court has instructed the South Goa Collector and Superintendent of Police, South Goa, to personally supervise the security arrangements and ensure completion of the fencing work. The Inspector of Bogda Police Station has also been directed to provide adequate police assistance to the MPA.
The fencing operation is expected to take up to two days, with the authorities tasked with ensuring that the work proceeds without obstruction.
The Court has further directed the Collector and SP South Goa to submit a compliance report on the implementation of its directions.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on November 5 at 2.30 pm, when the Court is expected to review the progress of the fencing work and compliance with its November 3 order.
