Team Herald
MARGAO: Following strong objections from residents, police halted the placement of survey stones in the Madel-Fatorda area, which locals alleged was an illegal exercise. They raised concerns about the potential impact on their properties and the environment, pushing authorities to intervene and investigate further.
As tensions escalated, officials assured the residents that a thorough review would be conducted. Police warned those involved in the exercise not to proceed until a verdict from the Collectorate regarding the residents' complaints is issued.
A few days prior, a protest was organised by Madel residents over the demarcation of boundaries, which they claimed was illegal. In response to these complaints, Fatorda police quickly assessed the situation on-site.
Milagres Fernandes, a key complainant, urged authorities to take action against those involved in the boundary demarcation. Residents expressed frustration, stressing that the demarcation would affect their properties and community access.
Fernandes said that the purpose of erecting the stones remained unclear, prompting him to raise the issue with local councillor Francis Jones. He noted that boundary stones were placed both inside the compound wall and along the internal road, effectively blocking traditional access for residents.
“During construction, locals made it clear to the builder and owner that traditional access and internal roads should not be obstructed. The builder had agreed to these terms,” he said.
Residents are now seeking clarity to protect their longstanding access rights, asserting that the accused erected boundary stones on traditional pathways.
Following an inquiry, Fatorda police issued a memorandum to the Mamlatdar, stating that there is a dispute between the residents and those involved in the boundary demarcation. The police noted that this ongoing conflict is likely to disturb community peace, leaving the locals anxious about their access rights.