MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council, on Monday, wrote to the Collector, South, Mr G P Naik telling him that he could proceed with the shifting of petrol pumps out of the centre of Margao as the civic body had not issued any NOC for the same.

The council also issued a ‘notice of demand’ to them to pay their outstanding dues amounting to atleast Rs 34 lakh – Bharat Petroleum Rs 21, 93,809 and Hindustan Petroleum – Rs 12, 89, 665.

The petrol pumps right in the centre of the state’s commercial capital had hit the headlines recently after a fire broke out in one of the pumps.

This fire was fortunately put out, but had brought to the fore the dangers to Margao, the lack of preparedness on the part of all stakeholders and no NOC from fire department.

It also highlighted the fact that in case of any incendiary incident taking place, half of Margao including the district police station and schools, all situated within hand-shaking distance of the 4 pumps would be obliterated.

Speaking about the reply to the Collector on the shifting of the petrol pumps outside the centre of Margao, the chairperson of the MMC, Mr Savio Coutinho told media that the Collector had said that when the MMC withdraws its NOC to them then he would order their removal, so "today, we replied to the Collector on their request to withdraw the NOC stating that we have not issued the NOC so they may proceed with whatever action they needed to take."

As far as the arrears are concerned, municipality officials informed that this matter has been going on since 2001, which was when the companies were first charged basic rent.

Thereafter, they started paying the basic rent. But, the dispute arose when as per the circular of the government, the civic body was supposed to increase the rent by 10 per cent every year, the calculations were made and the bills were sent to the petroleum companies in 2006.

However, they were not willing to pay the amount and the dispute has still not been settled.

"The arrears are till October 31, 2009," Mr Coutinho told media confirming that they had sent a notice to the companies asking them to clear their dues immediately.

He also added that wherever they may move their rent still stands and the arrears
would be collected.