PANJIM: Panjim’s former mayor Tony Rodrigues has lodged a complaint with the Panjim Town Police Station alleging encroachment of government property at Caranzalem and damage to the environment.
Rodrigues said he has informed the authorities that the ongoing “illegal” road construction from the main road towards the beach has been carried out by cutting several trees. Incidentally, the road is being constructed opposite a newly constructed luxury hotel.
“The road construction is in violation of the CRZ norms and environmental laws. It is being carried out without necessary permissions from competent authorities. Almost 20-30 fully grown trees have been cut without the permission from the Forest Department,” he alleged demanding immediate criminal action against the culprits.
Rodrigues alleged that the local authorities have turned a blind eye to the illegality as they are reportedly hand in glove with the contractor to construct the pathway from the hotel till the beach.
Former mayors Uday Madkaikar and Surendra Furtado have also objected to the project.
Furtado said, “It is indeed shocking to note that a huge road is being constructed directly towards the beach over the current weekend for the benefit of a 5 Star Resort Chain on Caranzalem Beach by destroying the natural ecosystem.”
He asked whether CRZ and NDZ NOCs had been obtained and whether CCP and PDA permissions have been obtained.
The Panjim Police said they are inquiring into the complaint.
