PONDA: The Water Resources Dept had issued notice to one saw mill operating at Kapileshwari, Daag -Ponda after O Heraldo reported that the saw mill had illegally constructed a structure on the on bank of the nullah. O Heraldo on June 15, 2023 had said the saw mill was doing a major construction with steel material and foundation in the Daag-Ponda nullah.
The locals at Kavlem, Daag-Ponda welcomed the decision and demanded strict action to remove the encroachment that
some migrants involved in encroachment have no fear of law and that local politicians or locals bodies should not support such encroachment.
The locals said not only had the saw mill put a steel foundation for a retaining wall in a nullah but a pole for shed construction are also visible in nullah basin.
Sources in the WRD said nobody can encroach in water bodies. If any one constructs a building or shed it has to be three meters away and setback also needs to be maintained.
Due to this encroachment, locals fear flooding of the Daag-Ponda culvert which would block traffic on main road to Ponda during monsoon.
The locals of Daag-Ponda and Kavlem said the original width of nullah was over 6.5 meters. The width is now reduced to around four meter due to encroachment.
The furious locals said serving notice is not important but they also want action to clear the encroachment. Locals appreciated O Heraldo for highlighting issue.
Meanwhile WRD in its notice to Saw mill said during joint site inspection of nullah at Daag along the highway, instructed the saw mill to give an explanation within 7 days of receipt of the notice as to why action should not be initiated against them for violating the Irrigation Act, 1973.
The WRD also informed about encroachment to Deputy Collector and Kavlem panchayat as nullah located border of PMC and Kavlem panchayat.
