CUNCOLIM: Finally, after three months, environmentalists and concerned Cuncolkars have taken the initiative to stop the hill destruction at the Shrikrushna Dham temple plateau in Panzorconi. One of the concerned citizens Kabir Moraes gathered all like-minded citizens together to fight against the illegalities and mass nature destruction. Moraes has set up a WhatsApp group to fight this illegal act.
On Monday, a formal complaint will be lodged with the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) demanding immediate action against the illegal hill-cutting and an order to stop work, said Moraes.
The ‘illegal’ hill cutting is adjacent to the highway in Cuncolim Panzorconi in the proximity of the Shri Krishna Paramdham temple and is going on for the last three months.
According to the information received, the work is being carried out by two different persons on two different survey plans. Plots are being prepared by a private company for setting up a housing colony on the land at the base of the hill while on the top of the hill some outsider is planning to construct a bungalow and also planning to set up a botanical garden for medicinal plants.
There is a river near this hill and the land below the hill is normally submerged during the rainy season. Another large housing project has been set up near the same project and such a large colony is likely to affect the residents, say locals.
CMC chairman Laxman Naik said that everyone was aware of the ongoing hill destruction but no one had lodged a complaint and the municipality did not take any action.
A ruling councillor has alleged that the Council is involved in this illegal act and also alleged they have received kickbacks from the owners of projects. The council, has refuted this allegation, saying that the complainant has to provide a proof, said the councillor.