PANJIM: A group of Merces residents on Tuesday brought to the notice of the law enforcing agencies about illegal land filling at Bondewadi, Merces. Based on the complaint the special flying squad of the North Goa collectorate visited the land filling site and inspected it.
Locals complained that one Mario Fernandes, alias Maruti, has illegally carried out land filling at Merces in the field which adjourns the wetlands. Locals also said that the land filling will affect marine life and mangroves in the area.
Local Panch member Lavoo Hoble said the panchayat is not acting and never takes him into confidence in the development of his ward. He said the land filling has been done overnight as adjacent to that area there are some plots which are on sale.
“The land filling has been done just to create an access to some plots which are on sale,” Hoble said. He said that selling of such small plots to all outsiders will also disturb the peace in the village.
Arturo D’Souza said the original land belonged to the comunidade and wondered how Fernandes has come in that property. He said that on Form I & XIV it has now shown that Fernandes is the owner. D’Souza suspected some manipulation.
However, Merces Sarpanch Succorina Braganza said that action will be initiated after following proper procedures. “I won’t allow any illegalities as such,” she said.
