MANUEL VAZ MERCES
Unauthorised filling of low-lying areas has been going on unabated at Merces since many years and such activities can be seen going on in and around the area where Modi’s rally was held, near the NH4A bypass road.
What is further appalling is that these reclaimed areas have been used for setting up of scrapyards and other business activities apparently without the permission of the Merces panchayat. Concerned over the same, some concerned citizens have complained to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, which in turn has directed the Merces panchayat to identify the persons who are involved in the filling of low lying areas and take action against them.
However, Merces Sarpanch Assis Fernandes informed Herald that panchayat has very limited power and resources to deal with illegal land filling activities. “The TCP and the Collector are the right authorities to deal with such cases,” he said.
But, in the same tone, Fernandes said that inquiry by the panchayat revealed that most of the land filling occurred more than 15-20 years back.
“No land filling has occurred during my tenure,” he informed while adding that many cases of illegal land filling are pending with higher authorities with a couple of them already disposed off.
When apprised that some land filling activity has been undertaken recently, Fernandes said that the panchayat did receive a complaint about dumping of mud against unknown persons. “Ever since land filling activity was undertaken to hold Modi’s rally near the NH4A bypass road, people have started taking advantage and they dump mud, construction debris, etc at will, under the garb of darkness,” he added.
When questioned whether the panchayat has granted permissions for setting up of business activities in this area, Fernandes replied in the negative. “As far as my knowledge is concerned, I do not recall of the panchayat giving any permission to anyone to conduct business in that area,” he added.
With the panchayat seeking to wash its hands off the issue, it remains to be seen whether such low lying areas in Merces will continue to exist in the years to come.
