CCP notice to former IAS officer, says wall has no approval

Panaji: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has issued a notice to former IAS officer Subhash Chandra for constructing a compound wall at his Ribandar home by deviating from the approved plan. CCP Commissioner Clen Madeira said that the corporation did not approve the use of laterite stones instead of iron pipes.

CCP has given Chandra seven days to respond to the notice. Chandra purchased the house along with the land on Feb28 from Adrian D’Costa, with locals reportedly saying that Chandra paid Rs 2.1 crore for the transaction.

Chandra subsequently erected a high wall around the plot, blocking the windows of the neighbouring house, where a widow resides. Locals have alleged that Chandra encroached on the property of a widow, Antonetta Sara Pereira, and a public pathway.

Based on the complaints, officials of the Panaji municipal corporation conducted an inspection on June 30 and found that the construction was not according to the development permission granted by the North Goa Planning and Development Authority. “It is seen that there is a deviation from the approved plan. The inspection has revealed that the compound wall is raised and is entirely made up of laterite stones. It is also seen that the masonry wall in place of the GI pipes is a new construction. This construction does not have approval or licence from this corporation and is also deviating from the approved plan,” said Madeira.

Madeira has asked Chandra to clarify the matter within seven days. Failure to respond will lead to necessary action as per law, said the notice.

On Sunday, locals held a protest meeting at Ribandar’s Fondvem Chapel to highlight the illegalities. Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s son, Uptal Parrikar, attended the meeting where he demanded action against the illegalities, if any.

Chandra retired in Sep last year as secretary of the Goa Housing Board and was secretary of the social welfare department and the art and culture department.