‘Illegal road being constructed on hill, likely to affect spring at Calangute’

Team Herald

CALANGUTE: Even as talathis have been directed to keep a watch on illegal hill cutting and constructions along the slopes in the State, a road being constructed along the hill slope in Calangute has been a cause of concern.

The Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has in a complaint to the Chief Secretary and other authorities on Friday stated that an illegal road being constructed on the hillside at Gauravaddo (E) by large-scale hill-cutting is likely to adversely affect the famed natural spring known as Motan which is in close proximity of the area.

“This construction of a road on the hillside through property bearing survey no 87, 96, 92, 88, 90, 89, 46, 41 and 42 of village Calangute, which involves significant hill cutting is not only illegal but also highly detrimental to the pristine environment of our community. The construction of the road  was stopped by the Collector North vide stop work order on February 21, 2021,” the complaint stated. The road is being constructed despite the stay order. 

“The removal of vegetation and soil from the hillside will increase the risk of soil erosion and landslides. Allowing such a destructive road will certainly pollute the natural spring water resource Motan spring which is in a close proximity of the said area.

“The hill cutting and subsequent environmental degradation will have severe and irreversible impacts. The road construction project appears to be driven solely by the interests of builders looking to raise a concrete jungle, disregarding the well-being of our village environment. 

“The hillside is home to a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to this area. The destruction of this habitat will lead to loss of bio-diversity and disrupt the ecological balance.

The CCF alleged that no permissions/NOC from the Town and Country planning (TCP) Department under 17A has been  obtained as required as the land is sloppy in nature. Besides there is no permission/NOC from forest department as the property is notified as private forest.

“In light of these concerns, we urge you to immediately halt the construction activities,” the CCF stated in the complaint which  has been sent to the chief secretary, chief town planner, PWD chief engineer, collector (North), director of panchayats, and other authorities.