Team Herald
MARGAO: On Wednesday, Congress leaders urged the High Court of Bombay at Goa to take suo moto cognisance of the hill-cutting activities occurring in various parts of Goa. They highlighted that these activities constitute a blatant violation of Section 17B of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act of 1974.
The leaders expressed concern over the environmental and regulatory breaches associated with these activities and called for judicial intervention to address the issue and enforce compliance with planning regulations.
Addressing a press conference alongside GPCC office bearers Everson Vales and Savio Coutinho, General Secretary Moreno Rebello warned of the severe risks posed by ongoing illegal hill-cutting activities. He cautioned that if these activities are not halted immediately, Goa could face a situation similar to Wayanad, with the potential for devastating landslides.
In his letter to the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, Moreno Rebello alleged that the Chief Town Planner has granted permissions for cutting deep gradients of more than three to five metres without proper consideration.
He stated, “The State's biodiversity and natural resources are under tremendous attack, and the government has completely failed to prevent such acts.”
In addition, Rebello cited several instances of hill cutting by major estate developers allegedly occurring without the necessary permissions. He mentioned Bhutani Infra in Sancoale (Taluka Murgao), DLF near Reis Magos Fort (Taluka Bardez), and Delta Corp Limited in Dhargai (Taluka Pernem) as examples of developers conducting such activities without authorisation from the Chief Town Planner.
Moreno Rebello has requested the High Court of Bombay at Goa to give immediate attention to the matter. He urged the court to take cognisance of the situation and review all permissions issued for hill cutting over the past two years.
Congress functionary Savio Coutinho expressed grave concern about the illegal hill cuttings, warning that they could lead to a major disaster in Goa.
“Biodiversity is being destroyed by allowing the destruction of hills,” Coutinho stated. He also highlighted the recent brutal trimming and felling of trees, which he believes will further devastate the environment and ecological balance.