VASCO: Goa United Workmen Union (GUWU) president Olencio Simoes slammed the Sancoale Panchayat and Directorate of Panchayats for turning blind eye to the “illegal” construction of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in private property by “misusing” public funds.
In a press note, Olencio Simoes stated that the circular of the Directorate of Vigilance No 5/04/020-VIG/STE/2262 dated 31/08/2020 has directed that a due procedure of guidelines be executed for public works in private properties.
Simoes has claimed that the private owner has not executed a deed of gift in favour of government/Sancoale panchayat. The said construction of MRF has no construction licence from panchayat/Mormugao Planning & Development Authority/the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). Further, the said construction neither has required NOCs from central agencies such as Government of India, Ministry of Roads, Transport and National Highways and Airports Authority of India as this project could prove dangerous to the civil and the naval airport as the project is along the airport runway.
Nilesh Vasant Naik, Upasnagar resident said the project is built within 25 metres of thickly populated residential area at Zuarinagar which has over 6,000 residents, as the garbage site will have irreversible damage to the air, groundwater and health of Zuarinagar residents. The garbage site could have adverse health effects such as birth defects, cancer and respiratory illnesses.
