An unauthorized road construction project through a paddy field in Cortali, Uguem Sanguem, has sparked controversy after a complaint was filed regarding illegal landfilling activities. The land, classified as agricultural, also houses a natural water rivulet that flows throughout the year, making it ecologically sensitive. The issue was raised by Santano Rodrigues, who reported that landfilling was taking place without the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
In response to the complaint, the Deputy Collector of Sanguem intervened and halted the landfilling work. However, the incident has raised several important questions. Notably, there is concern over who will be held accountable for removing the already-filled soil and why the Panchayat body failed to take action when the illegal work began.
This case underscores the need for more vigilant monitoring and stronger enforcement at the local level to prevent misuse of agricultural land and to protect environmentally sensitive areas from exploitation. The community and authorities are now facing the task of addressing the consequences of the unauthorized construction and ensuring that such violations are prevented in the future.
Yeshwant Naik, a resident of Uguem, calls for a thorough investigation into the matter to identify the contractor responsible for the land filling.