VALPOI: Taking cognizance of a report on Herald, former forest minister Alina Saldanha raised the issue of illegal houses constructed in forest area in Ansulem, Sattari, during the ongoing Assembly Session.
Replying to her question, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the forest portfolio, said that the Forest Department has come to know that seven illegal structures have been built in Ansulem out of which three structures are existing within the area demarcated as private forest in Survey No 1/1. “It is stated that the area does not fall inside Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The area falls outside the jurisdiction of Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary and it is eco sensitive zone,” he said.
“The forest department has not given any NOC for the construction of houses. A show cause notice has been issued to the land owners and to those who have constructed structures inside private forest under the Forest Act, 1980. Also the matter has been brought to the notice of concerned revenue Authority for action,” Sawant said.
In its edition dated 21/06/2019, Herald highlighted that seven structures have been built forest area in Ansulem and the authorities concerned were turning a blind eye to the same.
