Team Herald
MARGAO: In a significant turn of events, Mobor beach witnessed major chaos as villagers confronted the Cavelossim sarpanch over the destruction of sand dunes. Frustrated by perceived inaction against those responsible for the damage, the villagers took a stand to demand accountability and protection for their local environment.
A verbal clash erupted between local MLA Venzy Viegas and Sarpanch Dixon Vaz during the chaos at the beach. The heated exchange reflected the escalating tensions over the issue of sand dune destruction and the perceived lack of action from local authorities.
Following the confrontation, the sarpanch assured the villagers that the panchayat would issue orders for restoring the land to its original state.
However, this commitment was met with scepticism from MLA Viegas and a group of villagers, who alleged that the sarpanch was colluding with the property owner, leading to hesitance in taking decisive action.
Following the MLA’s request, a team from the Town and Country Planning Department, accompanied by villagers, arrived at the site for an inspection on Wednesday. It was revealed that the property in question falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which brings additional protections and regulations.
However, the sarpanch claimed that the panchayat had not been informed about this inspection.
The villagers made their stance clear, emphasising their commitment to protecting the land and environment. They expressed concerns about the significant impact that the destruction of sand dunes and vegetation could have on the local ecosystem.
The villagers questioned the sarpanch about the lack of action regarding the restoration of the site, which has been damaged for road construction since June. They expressed frustration over the absence of measures or orders to address the destruction, emphasising their concerns about the ongoing environmental degradation.
Paul Lobo, a villager, questioned why, despite a show cause notice being issued in June, there had been no subsequent action or orders to restore the land to its original state over the past four months.
Echoing the villagers’ concerns, MLA Viegas questioned the Sarpanch’s inaction and alleged that he was colluding with the party responsible for the destruction.
“There is clear evidence of damage to the sand dunes and vegetation, and it was the panchayat’s duty to take action. Instead of addressing the issue, the sarpanch was shifting blame on me and others, which is deemed unfair,” he stated.
Clarifying his position, Viegas stated that the placement of sandbags was intended to protect the beach from erosion and was not related to the property owned by the individual involved in the construction.
The sarpanch responded by stating that he would promptly issue orders to restore the land. He pointed out that it was the responsibility of the MLA or the villagers who called for the Town and Country Planning (TCP) inspection to also inform the panchayat about the situation.
He emphasised that he had made an effort to be present at the site and reassured the villagers that the panchayat also aims to protect the land and the eco-sensitive area.
The sarpanch further clarified that the panchayat cannot simply issue notices without first verifying the exact ownership of the land, as there are multiple owners involved.