DM orders auction of abandoned vehicles in Margao and Vasco

An abandoned vehicle on the Margao Ring road.

Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO
South Goa District Magistrate, Egna Cleetus, has issued a proclamation to dispose of around 115 abandoned/unclaimed vehicles in Margao and Vasco via auction, should the owners fail to submit their claims.

While around 55 vehicles have been found abandoned/unclaimed in Margao, another 60 vehicles have been lying in public places in Vasco.

The proclamation has been issued by the District Magistrate based on the list submitted by the traffic police officials regarding the number of abandoned/unclaimed vehicles that have been lying for a long period in the jurisdictions of Margao and Vasco.

This is the third time in the last two years that the District Magistrate has issued proclamations to dispose of unclaimed and abandoned vehicles if the owners fail to express interest in the vehicles.

“The said vehicles are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which cause a rise in vector-borne diseases, leading to health hazards for the general public. The abandoned vehicles within the jurisdiction of Margao are causing obstruction, inconvenience, and potential hazards to the public. Such abandoned vehicles are likely to cause a nuisance, pose a risk to public safety, and may lead to criminal activities or be used for unlawful purposes,” the Magistrate stated in the proclamation.

Exercising powers vested under Section 26 of the Indian Police Act, 1861, the Magistrate has called upon persons claiming interest in the vehicles to submit their claims (if any) along with documentary evidence to the office of the Deputy Collector & Sub-Divisional Magistrate I (Salcete) within six months from the date of publication of this proclamation.

“If no objections/claims are received within the stipulated period, the vehicles shall be forfeited in favour of the State government and disposed of through public auction as provided under law, or in such a manner as approved by the State government. No further claims will be entertained thereafter, and the proceeds shall be forfeited to the government,” the proclamation stated.

The list of all identified vehicles is available at the office of the Deputy Collector & Sub-Divisional Magistrate I (Salcete), Margao, and the office of the Deputy Collector, Mormugao.