MAPUSA: Several villagers from Gauravaddo, Calangute assembled outside a property which the panchayat inspected after the locals had complained that illegal excavation of mud was being carried out by the builder.
Locals allege that their houses have developed cracks due to on-going deep excavation work.
On October 14, Gauravaddo residents had complained to the panchayat informing them about the excavation of soil being carried out.
The complaint stated that the excavation of soil had gone up to 15 meters deep. Locals feared that their houses were in danger and hence demanded the panchayat to check on the same and put a stop to the work in case of any illegalities.
Hence the Calangute panchayat carried out a site inspection on Friday amidst the presence of the locals. Present for the inspection was the Calangute Sarpanch, Shawn Martins; Deputy Sarpanch, Pooja Matkar and members of the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF). The builder was verbally directed to stop work and immediately start temporary preventive measures against soil erosion.
Speaking to Herald after the site inspection, Calangute Sarpanch Shawn Martins informed that the owner has been directed to stop the work on the construction and immediately starts temporary measure to prevent soil erosion.
“The site was inspected and measurements of the excavation were recorded. The rain has also added to excessive soil erosion. The builder has been asked to take precautions to prevent soil erosion and to protect the nearby houses. He has been asked to build a retaining wall to permanently solve the problem. Preventive measures have to be taken to protect the houses located nearby. The inspection report will be placed before the panchayat meeting on Saturday,” said Martins.
However, the President of Calangute Constituency Forum, Premanand Divkar said that the authorities should immediately issue a stop work order.
