Team Herald
MARGAO: Even after former India cricketer Ashish Nehra’s representatives claimed that the unauthorised road built in a No Development Zone (NDZ) in Cavelossim had been dismantled, questions persist about further action. While the road has been removed, concerns remain over the fate of the rubble and whether authorities will impose any penalties.
The Cavelossim Panchayat recently conducted an inspection of the site following reports that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) had discharged the show cause notice against Nehra after he complied with removal orders. However, uncertainty lingers over whether GCZMA will take any further steps regarding the NDZ violation.
Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, along with ward Panch Jesus D’Costa and panchayat secretary, visited the site after Nehra’s representatives informed them of compliance with directives. “We have conducted an inspection to verify the situation. The road has been removed, though some work remains, and rubble stones are still lying in the area. This matter will be discussed at the upcoming Panchayat meeting,” Vaz stated to the media.
Asked about possible further action, he said the Panchayat would communicate with GCZMA. “We will wait for their response on whether they intend to impose any penalties,” he added.
D’Costa noted that while the Panchayat had taken steps to address the issue, there had been attempts to misrepresent the situation. “The stones have been removed and dumped in one place. We will take up the matter in the meeting,” he said.
The road’s construction had sparked controversy, especially since villagers had previously raised concerns over fires destroying vegetation and alleged tampering of sand dunes in the area.