Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite repeated appeals to prevent the village from further destruction, the Guirdolim Panchayat expressed concerns over the lack of response from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, the Flying Squad, and the Office of the Deputy Collector to the hill cutting activities.
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A panchayat delegation led by sarpanch Sonia Fernandes, deputy sarpanch Joao Piexote, and members including Franky Fernandes, visited the site in question and raised concerns about the activity. According to the Panchayat, no permission had been granted for such an operation.
After the inspection, the sarpanch spoke to the media, reiterating that despite the panchayat’s repeated appeals to the TCP, the Flying Squad, and the Deputy Collector’s office, no response has been received.
“The correspondence we sent to the Deputy Collector was forwarded to the Salcete Mamlatdar, who in turn, instructed the Panchayat to initiate action on the matter,” Fernandes said.
The sarpanch emphasised that heavy earth-moving machinery had been used for hill-cutting
“Following today’s inspection, the Panchayat will once again write to the TCP and the Flying Squad to take appropriate action,” she added.
Panchayat member Franky Fernandes expressed disappointment over the authorities’ inaction, stating that the inspection revealed the extent of the destruction at the site.
“The TCP and the police have claimed that only vegetation was cleared, but it is clear that significant damage has been done. The area is home to various animals and birds, including peacocks, which are now at risk,” he said. Fernandes also criticised the delay in action, noting that the public might later blame the Panchayat for the situation.
Deputy sarpanch, Joao Piexote highlighted the environmental impact, stating that the site is frequented by wildlife, especially peacocks. He also pointed out that large amount of mud had been removed during the illegal activity.
The Panchayat will now call upon on TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure that necessary action is taken to protect the environment.
