TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: Residents of Palolem have voiced alarm over the filling of a low-lying area at Ourem which is close to Palolem beach, after claiming that a portion of a rivulet which had been filled up in the process could pose a serious threat to homes in Ourem.
Speaking to Herald, residents complained that about four tipper trucks have been engaged in dumping mud at the site, while a JCB levels the mud to fill the low-lying land at the extreme southern end of the Ourem creek at Palolem.
The residents further alleged that a seasonal rivulet has been buried and filled with mud, amid suspicion that a road is being constructed for some construction activity in the area.
“Burying a rivulet which is the only passage for rainwater to flow from a residential locality into the sea is a grave offence and it is surprising that authorities have not stepped in to stop the controversial activities,” complained a resident.
Another resident, Herra Fernandes, who observed the activities since the last 2-3 days, said the entire locality is unhappy that such massive activity is being allowed without any action by authorities.
“This could only indicate that authorities concerned are also involved in these activities,” said Fernandes.
“Besides violating CRZ norms, the activity could prove detrimental to safety of our houses during rains, as the entire Ourem residential area could be flooded with rainwater if there is no passage for the water to get to the sea. During monsoons, rainwater from nearby localities, including Patnem, Tembewada, Sawantwada and entire Ourem locality, finds its way through this rivulet to the Arabian Sea,” Fernandes added.
Another resident informed Herald that they have been trying to contact their elected leaders to stop such activities.
When contacted, Palolem Councillor Simon Rebello initially feigned ignorance and said he was unaware of the matter.
But when confronted with complaints of his ward residents, Rebello said, “Authorities need to act to stop such controversial activities undertaken anywhere in the municipality.”
