Team Herald
PANJIM: Villagers of Tivrem and Orgao from Ponda taluka are up in arms against a mega housing project, proposed in their villages, without the required permissions from the concerned government authorities.
The villagers, who addressed the media in Panjim on Thursday alleged a nexus between the panchayat and the builder, and have decided to approach the Court pleading for a stay on the project.
“Despite a resolution during two gram sabha meetings, the panchayat has failed to take any action against the illegal project. Even the government authorities have completely ignored this large scale illegality,” villager Shekhar Gaonkar said.
He said that despite the Deputy Conservator of Forest rejecting the conversion file because of tree canopy, North Goa Collector granted approval for conversion.
Another villager, Mangesh Gaonkar exposed how the project proponent has obtained TCP permission, construction licence, NOC for water and power in Orgao, whereas the actual construction is coming up in Tivrem village. “Both are completely different revenue villages,” he stated.
Villagers also alleged that the project has no clearance from Goa State Pollution Control Board and so also from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, for being located near a river.
“There is a clear cut nexus between the developer and the panchayat. Hence, we have now decided to approach the Court for justice,” Gaonkar said.
The villagers pointed out that due to illegal land filling, there is complete destruction of environment and dumping has resulted in damaging the mangroves.
