SALIGAO: The mushrooming of illegal structures on comunidade land, particularly the fields and agricultural areas has dominated the Saligao gram sabha on many occasions. The alleged filling up of paddy fields for construction and commercial activities is carried out on the Saligao- Parra road and the CHOGM road as well and the authorities have failed to act in this regard.
When Herald contacted the Attorney of Saligao Comunidade Austin De Gama, he said that besides the existing 76 illegal structures in the fields, the comunidade has identified many such activities recently. He said that the comunidade had limited powers and can only complain to the authorities who have to take action against such illegalities.
“The rampant filling of paddy fields and agricultural land in Saligao has been witnessed from 2011 onwards. In each ward in Saligao there are illegal structures in the fields, be it on private or comunidade land. In 2015 we identified 76 illegal structures in the fields belonging to the comunidade. We have submitted letters to the Deputy Collector, Chief Town and Country Planner, Panchayat and other bodies but in vain,” informed Austin.
“In fields and agricultural land one can only grow rice, vegetables and pulses. Not even coconut trees can be planted here but in this village and surrounding villages we can see these lands being filled, houses and other structures being built. We have now decided to fight a legal battle against the structures in the High Court and are waiting for the right time to do so,” he added.
Besides the issue of alleged filling of fields and construction activities on comunidade land, the village has also witnessed a slight spurt in the number of scrap yards in the village.
Saligao Comunidade member and a concerned villager, Dean D’Cruz claimed that such illegal activities are carried out in connivance with the Saligao Panchayat.
“There are many illegal structures being built in comunidade property and several fields are filled, which has gone unnoticed. There are three scrapyards, which pose a threat. The harmful toxins from these scrapyards pose health risk to the villagers. Despite several complaints the panchayat has failed to act. If they want they can issue demolition notices,” Dean added.
Saligao Sarpanch Lafira Remedious e Gomes clarified that she has not given permission to any illegal structures in the fields.
“I don’t think these illegal structures are coming up only now. If something is brought to our notice then action is definitely taken. There are illegal structures everywhere,” she admitted.
