MARGAO: Instances of alleged rampant illegal hill cutting at the historically important ‘Furam Dongor’ in Curtorim have left the villagers infuriated.

Herald ground report reveals that the hills are being cut to construct a housing complex without taking the necessary permissions from the local panchayat.

In fact, the construction of one of these housing complexes is nearing completion.

Locals have alleged that local authorities are are hand-in-gloves and allowed the builder to go ahead with his project by damaging the natural beauty of Curtorim, which is widely known as the ‘Granary of Salcete’.

Not only trees have been felled but also temporary road has been built till the top of the hill.

A huge retaining wall itself is evident to the gravity of the damage done by hill cutting illegally around the property bearing survey number 448 in Curtorim, just a few meters away from the famous Ayyappa Temple, locals said.

In September 2021, locals of Vagulem, Curtorim, and nearby areas had raised their voices against the said alleged illegal construction on top of the hill and in no development zone. Thereafter Curtorim panchayat issued a stop-work order to the land developers and had asked them to submit the legal documents within five days of the time period, which Deputy Sarpanch Simon Barreto claims that the builder failed to submit to date.

Several villagers too had expressed their anger and had even alleged that the government authorities are involved in the illegal construction by destroying the hill.

Locals say this hilly area is habitant to larger mammals’ viz. leopards, wild boar, pangolin, and porcupines so reclamation of lands and deforestation will result in damage to wildlife too.

Speaking to Herald J. Santano Rodrigues, Chairman of Curtorim Biodiversity Committee wondering how the government could grant permissions for such environment destruction activities, said, “This hill, traditionally known as ‘Furam Dongor’ has historical importance, as there are several sites on the hills giving evidence of the first settlers, besides natural springs. The traditional path-way has also been blocked by the land developers heading towards the ‘Furam Khuris.”

He said the beauty of Curtorim is being destroyed by allowing such constructions. There is a need for stern action against the land developer, he demanded.

An official at Town and Country Planning (TCP), Margao confirmed that the concerned land developer has not asked for any permission for the hill cutting, but the office has granted the builder technical clearance for the construction of the building.

TCP officials also admitted that the huge illegal hill cutting and destruction of the environment has been done by the land developer when Herald showed them the site videos and photographs. A team of TCP officials also visited the site on Thursday evening and confirmed the facts.

“We will take necessary action against the land developer,” assured TCP officials.