Unauthorized hill cutting and land filling activities have resumed at Survey Number 62/3-A in Vasheli Dongor, raising serious environmental and legal concerns. Despite a stop-work order issued earlier by the Deputy Collector of Quepem, the activities have restarted, signaling a clear violation of the earlier directive.
Local Panchayat member Deepti Naik has expressed frustration over the issue, stating that she was not informed about the renewed activities by either the land developer or the Sarpanch. This is not the first time the matter has been raised; earlier, Naik had filed a formal complaint, prompting an inspection by officials from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department and a flying squad. Their findings led to a show cause notice being issued, followed by the stop-work order in early 2024.
Despite these official actions, the hill cutting at the site has resumed, suggesting a blatant disregard for the law and official orders. Local authorities are now being urged to take immediate action to enforce the stop order and prevent further environmental damage.
"I am unaware of the hill cutting. When I approached the Sarpanch, she told me to take action myself, saying she couldn’t intervene despite previously assuring her support," said Panch Deepti Naik. "A man named Santosh Phal Desai even threatened me, saying, 'Do whatever you can' and instructed the machine operators to proceed with the work."
She also mentioned that a large hole had been dug at the site, and rock stones were dumped into it, possibly to illegally alter or cover up the terrain. "This is a serious violation, and if the government doesn't take action now, we will have no choice but to go on an Anshan (hunger strike) to protect our land and environment," said local Prashant Dessai.