Hill cutting issue: Sao Jose de Areal p’yat provides alternatives to govt

Team Herald

MARGAO: Standing firm on the stand to oppose the hill cutting, the village panchayat of Sao Jose De Areal has now provided alternatives to the government so that their environment is not destroyed. 

Speaking to Herald Joyce Dias, Sarpanch of village panchayat Sao Jose de Areal said that the panchayat will not leave a stone unturned to stop the hill cutting activities in the jurisdiction of the panchayat. 

Sources informed that the hill cutting at Sao Jose de Areal was being carried out to provide the huge quantity of mud for the ongoing works of western bypass project. 

“We have already submitted our objections to the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) and we want the authority to issue the stop work order and revoke the permissions given for the hill cutting,” she stated. 

It is pertinent to note that unwilling to back down in their campaign against the extensive hill cutting activity in the village, the panchayat and residents of Sao Jose de Areal have demanded the TCP to issue a stop-work order immediately. A memorandum has been submitted to the senior town planner to take action against the promoters of the project. 

The villagers had also questioned the authority and demanded an explanation as to how the hilly area is being converted into a settlement zone without taking into consideration the destruction to the environment.

“We have already provided alternatives to the government and hence the villagers and the panchayat want the authority to revoke the permissions given for the hill cutting,” said Sarpanch. 

She questioned how come the government destroys the villages when they want to focus on the concept of Swayampurna Goa. 

“What will be left for the Goans and the locals if such types of activities are allowed? Trees are being axed down without considering the impact on the humans and animals that inhabit the area,” said the Sarpanch.