Team Herald
MARGAO: Locals of Loutolim and neighbouring areas were up in arms over the act of hill cutting that took place near the Verna missing link road following which a flying squad from the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) carried out an inspection of the site on Friday. The flying squad officials confirmed that an area of 100 metres had been cut and up to a height of four to five metres have been cut.
They added that they will take action after concluding their investigation. Locals also wanted the Industrial Development Corporation to clarify about the matter given the proximity to the industrial estate.
The locals had first protested on Thursday. They expressed their irritation over the lack of any proactive response from the Loutolim panchayat or other authorities including the TCP. By the time the flying squad arrived at the site, the contractor had disappeared but the machinery used to cut the hills was left behind.
Locals further said when they spoke to the contractor, he allegedly admitted to not having any documents to show that he had any permission to carry out the work.
