PANJIIM: The villagers of Gandaulim along with the sarpanch and panchayat members of Cumbarjua Village Panchayat are opposing the jetty and shed constructed by a shipbuilding company in the village.
Addressing mediapersons at the site, local panch member Anuj Naik said that despite several letters to the authorities, there has been no action. He also said that the company has not obtained permission to construct the shed at the location.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“In June last year, we highlighted the issue of land filling of the water body at Gandaulim by the shipbuilding company. The stop work order was issued by the village panchayat last year. However, they still went ahead with the illegal work. We have written several letters to the Captain of Ports and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) regarding permissions granted for the jetty, and even wrote to the deputy collector regarding the issue but no action,” he added.
Naik further informed that the panchayat sent reminder letters to the Captain of Ports and GCZMA as well. As per the NOC, the company was supposed to conduct its activities only within the stipulated area. However, they have encroached beyond six metres, which is a violation.
“Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Phaldesai had inspected the site last year, but there is no movement from his side and it is hopeless expecting anything from him,” he said adding that there are no toilet facilities for the employees of the company at the site and that open defecation in the adjacent property is being carried out.
Another panchayat member Adv Archana Parab said that the a case against the company for illegal land filling is underway before the GCZMA and inspections have been held by the authorities.
Adv Parab said that demolition order was issued in September last year, but subsequently the jetty promoters applied for a stay against the order.
Sarpanch Krisha Parab said that the previous panchayat body has to be blamed for this.
