Transporter accused of illegally filling low-lying mangrove area
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MERCES: Brazen dumping of construction debris to fill low-lying areas surrounded by mangroves is virtually destroying natural habitats in Merces.
In yet another incident of audacious land-filling activity in the village, Merces Sarpanch Yateen Palekar on Saturday accused B G Patil of Patil Transport of filling a low-lying mangrove area with construction debris.
Speaking to reporters, Palekar said a villager armed with photographs had informed them that Patil Transport’s trucks were involved in illegal filling of a low-lying mangrove area at Morombi-O-Pequeno since the past few days.
“I asked B G Patil to come to the panchayat office and explain his role in the issue,” stated Palekar, while adding that Patil not only refused to pay heed to the request but dared him to take action in the matter.
Palekar further added that he would lodge a complaint with the Old Goa police against B G Patil for illegal filling of low-lying land.
“Patil is out to destroy the natural habitat of Merces and this is not the first time that he has been involved in illegal filling of low-lying areas in the village,” alleged Palekar.
“Action was initiated against Patil on three previous occasions and his vehicles and machinery were seized. But it seems to have had no effect on him. Patil dumps construction debris at night or during holidays so that he escapes the wrath of the authorities,” informed the sarpanch.
When contacted, Patil admitted having undertaken the land-filling activity but claimed that he had done so at the behest of Gaurish Dhond and asked Herald to speak to Dhond, while refusing to entertain any further queries on the issue.
On his part, Dhond said he had only asked Patil to level the area as a lot of debris was illegally dumped by miscreants. “I never directed Patil to undertake land-filling activity or to dump construction debris,” Dhond clarified.
