Team Herald
VASCO: During its inspection of the upcoming arms depot project, Chicalim Panchayat has requested Airport authority of India (AAI) to allow the flow of natural spring before monsoon.
Chicalim panchas along with AAI and MPDA officials conducted a joint inspection of the proposed AAI project of Central Industrial Security Force barracks and arms depot at Assoi, Dongri, on Monday.
Sarpanch Seby Pereira informed that the arms depot was for the purpose to store the arms of CISF personnel and not to store explosives.
Pereira said, “Since there were reports of alleged tree cutting and burial of natural spring in the area, we had called the fire department and Water Resources Department, but they failed to make it to the inspection. The panchayat has made it very clear that we do not want any such ammunition depot and we had asked it in writing from AAI to which they agreed to.”
He informed that during inspection they noticed that the flow of the natural spring has been blocked due to the ongoing work.
“I have directed the AAI to clear the same immediately before the monsoons and they have agreed to do so. I have also requested the AAI to maintain distance from the spring as the water body marks the boundary of its property. The AAI cannot stop the natural flow of the spring or bury it or else we will oppose it. We will not allow any project if it affects the spring. I have informed that the panchayat will not tolerate any illegalities. Panch Marie Mascarenhas also warned that she would not permit any illegalities.
