The Opposition members in the Goa Assembly on Friday claimed that hundreds of structures were digitally inserted into land survey plans using the Bhunaksha software without physical verification. It was also alleged that CRZ permissions were obtained through such manipulation. Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa who had tabled a starred question alleged insertion of new structure in the promulgated maps of the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) in 1970's.
He demanded details of the complainant and the action taken by the Department with present status of the complaint.
However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told him that the complainant withdrew his complaint. At the same time, he assured Members that stern action will be taken against those found involved.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas alleged the GIS-based tool, meant for transparency, is being misused for corruption and facilitating illegal constructions.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao charged that more than 200 structures have been shown on the Bhunaksh plan. Her alleged that more than Rs 600 crore had been collected by the culprits by inserting structures in the survey plans.
Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate in his reply stated that the Directorate of Vigilance had informed the DSLR that it is in receipt of complaint regarding fraudulent manipulations of survey plans and accordingly the DSLR had directed its official to remain present for the purpose of vigilance inquiry in the said complaint before the Directorate of Vigilance.
He said that an inquiry has been initiated in the matter. Stating that the land survey was conducted in 1972, the Minister was also of the opinion that survey plans should be updated after every 10 years.