Team Herald
VALPOI: The Mauxi panchayat has landed in a controversy over the installation of an illegal mobile tower. The tower was set up on private land without obtaining NOC from the panchayat and was made operational two months back. The authorities sent a notice to the owners only four days ago. Irate locals are set to raise the issue at the upcoming gram sabha.
Many houses are located within twenty meters of the tower, which is a health hazard for the residents and animals. Locals expressed surprise at the illegal installation and criticized the panchayat for turning a blind eye.
It was learnt that some of the members had good relations with the tower managers, who might have taken advantage of the fact by setting up the tower without clearance from the panchayat.
Locals demanded that panchayat remove the tower immediately, failing which they would hold an agitation. They stated that the notice issued a few days ago would be worthless if no action was subsequently taken to shift the structure.
A local youth, J V Avinash criticized the panchayat for its silence and claimed that a few members were hand-in-gloves with the tower’s managers.
