In a recent inspection conducted by the Oxel Village Panchayat at Survey No. 51/21 in Oxel Village, several concerning observations regarding building violations have been reported. The inspection, held on 18th May 2024, was prompted by complaints filed by residents of the village concerning a multi-dwelling project.
Key findings from the inspection include:
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Violation of Road Width Regulations: The multi-dwelling project was found to have violated the Goa Land Development Building Construction Regulation 2010 by failing to meet the mandatory minimum road width requirement of 6 meters. The observed road width ranged from 4 to 4.5 meters.
Proximity to Cemetery: Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the project to the village cemetery, with residents noting that the distance was substantially less than the mandated 100 meters. However, the measurement of this distance was not conducted during the inspection.
Environmental Hazards: The construction of large septic tanks within close proximity to the village spring has raised concerns about potential groundwater contamination and disruption of the natural flow of spring water. Despite requests from complainants, the Oxel Panchayat did not measure or record the distance between the septic tanks and the village spring.
Illegal Construction of Boundary Wall: The builder of the project illegally constructed a boundary wall atop a rainwater drain, obstructing the flow of rainwater and posing a risk of flooding. Demands were made during the inspection for the immediate removal of the wall.
Violation of Safety Regulations: The horizontal distance between the project and overhead wires was found to be less than 15 meters, raising safety concerns. However, this distance was not recorded by Panchayat officials during the inspection.
In response to these violations, residents of the Oxel Village Panchayat have demanded the revocation of construction licenses issued to the project and the issuance of stop-work orders in accordance with the law.
Furthermore the Panchayat has not issued any stop-work orders, residents have requested the filing of a caveat before the Director of Panchayat to ensure the inclusion of their concerns in the decision-making process.
The complainants have alleged that the Panchayat has failed to take action against the violators and have expressed their intention to pursue legal measures in the interest of protecting the environment and the natural heritage of Oxel Village.
