TEAM HERALD
CORTALIM: The Cortalim-Quelossim sarpanch came in for strong criticism from the gram sabha members after he feigned ignorance over the massive CRZ violation for a multi-crore project in his ward at Quelossim.
During the debate on the issue of CRZ violation raised by Mariano Dias, Sarpanch Hillario Figueiredo who incidentally resides about 400 metres from the site said he was not aware of land filling. At that stage, Jude Pereira countered the sarpanch saying that he had brought the issue to his notice much before local MLA Alina Saldanha inspected the site.
“You told me that the site would be inspected. After some days when we met, you told me that nothing was going on at the site. I personally went there and saw large scale violations including land filling. Thereafter, I informed the Bio-Diversity Board who asked me for a formal complaint. After that I informed the MLA’s office which led to MLA Alina Saldanha inspecting the site,” Pereira said.
The gram sabha members were also critical of panchayat secretary Asha Mesta since she had reportedly not informed the sarpanch about the inspection. “I thought that the MLA might have phoned the sarpanch, since Madam (Alina) had called me at the site,” Mesta replied.
Later, the sarpanch informed the gram sabha that the panchayat had issued a stop work notice and a police complaint had been lodged. He also informed that the controversial ‘Willingness Letter’ issued to the Pune-based promoters by the panchayat in 2012 was withdrawn on October 7, 2014.
The ‘Willingness Letter’ which was issued to the sarpanch in majority panchayat resolution was sought to be revoked after the gram sabha demanded its revocation in 2012.
However, the revocation comes only after the issue was brought to the notice of Cortalim MLA by Herald during her inspection on October 4, that the controversial letter had apparently not been withdrawn.
It may be recalled that Alina during the site inspection on October 4, had immediately ordered a stop to the work. When the minister asked the secretary as to who was the ward member of the controversial site, Mesta replied, “It is ward 2.” When Alina insisted as to who was the ward member, Mesta after some hesitation said it was represented by Sarpanch Hillario Figueiredo. Alina thereafter said it was difficult to imagine that the sarpanch who is the ward panch is not aware of the violation.
Later, Lopin Xavier of Quelossim demanded that the panchayat pass a resolution and conduct a site inspection.
Others issues such as the menace caused by tenants (migrants), new Cortalim fish market, RP were also discussed.
