MPT will not be allowed to encroach in state's jurisdiction: CM

Panaji, Oct 1 (UNI) The Goa government today warned the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) against its attempt to encroach on the land in jurisdiction of the state through a public notice.

Diclosing this to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said he had directed the state chief secretary to probe into the matter after going through required documents for taking appropriate decision.

Mr Kamat had also asked the secretaries in charge of ports, Revenue and the Captain of Ports to review the matter.

''If required, the State will approach the Centre for help,'' Mr Kamat said.

The Cabinet, he said, opined that the MPT will not be allowed to encroach the land. The land in its possession needs to be studied to protect the interests of the state.

Referring to relief to the recent flood hit people in North Goa's Bicholim and Sattari taluks, Mr.Kamat said the government would honour its committment of giving Rs.10,000 assistance to each of the fully damaged houses and Rs.5,000 to the partially damaged houses shortly.

There was an estimated Rs.2.5 crore damage in the ravaged area including crops following flash floods with heavy rains in the catchment area.

He had renewed his plea with the Maharashtra government for building a dam across river Verdi on a priority basis to check floods affecting bordering Goa.

UNI