Team Herald
SANTA CRUZ: Villagers of Santa Cruz and petitioner Arturo D’Souza have issued a stern warning to real estate developers, urging them to withdraw their attempts to concretise the periphery of Bondvol Lake or face a significant public outcry. The 110-year-old lake, declared a wetland and biodiversity hotspot in October 2022, continues to be at the centre of controversy for years.
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Residents were shocked when dense tree cover on the hillside surrounding the lake was recently cleared, allegedly by real estate companies that have purchased plots in the area. These companies have approached the High Court to request a reduction in the lake’s buffer zone from 200 metres to 50 metres.
Petitioner Arturo D’Souza, who has been spearheading the battle against the encroachment, cited a 2016 High Court directive by Justice Gautam Patel that mandated the maintenance of a 200-metre buffer zone around the lake. “The High Court order still stands. The real estate companies are assuming they will win, but we will not allow this,” he said.
The Bondvol Lake dam, built by the Portuguese to combat famine, remains a critical resource, recharging wells and supporting thousands of farmers in the area. D’Souza questioned government bodies such as the Directorate of Survey and Land Records, the Panchayat, and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, asking how plots could have been sold within the protected buffer zone despite the court’s ruling.
Former Deputy Sarpanch and present panch, Inacio Dominic Pereira vowed to oppose any harm to the lake, saying, “If these activities don’t stop, we will take to the streets. An FIR has already been filed against one company for destroying a green patch.”
Heritage promoter Sanjeev Sardessai strongly criticised corrupt officials allegedly granting illegal permissions, calling for their assets to be scrutinised. “Bondvol Lake is a treasured heritage site. We cannot let greed destroy such a vital natural asset,” he stated.
Sarpanch of Santa Cruz, Jenifer Oliveira, was unavailable for comment, but she had earlier stated to local media that the Panchayat had inspected the site and referred the matter to the Deputy Collector for action.
Santa Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes assured his support for the villagers, emphasising his commitment to protecting Bondvol Lake.
The lake, seen as a symbol of environmental and cultural heritage in the region, remains a rallying point for community action as residents unite against encroachment and environmental degradation.
