An earth moving machine, a crane and labourers descended at the site and began removing the pontoon from the water body.
The removal of encroachments in the eco-sensitive zone is seen as a victory for local MLA Alina Saldanha who had made her intentions very clear of getting rid of all the illegalities in the area.
Many an eyebrow were raised after the deadline of November 15, 2014 which was fixed for removal of encroachments by the Cortalim-Quelossim panchayat had passed with rumours rife that pressure was being built up by a top minister to stall the removal of the said encroachments.
Interestingly, the Cortalim-Quelossim sarpanch Illario Figueiredo, was conspicuous by his absence. The sarpanch, who is also the ward panch, had received criticism from Saldanha during her site inspection in November last year for claiming ignorance of the encroachments despite, living in the vicinity.
Local resident, Lupino Xavier, expressed surprise that the sarpanch was not present at the site, despite the demolition notice being served by the panchayat itself.
Cortalim-Quelossim Panchayat Talathi S Kerkar, Mormugao Magistrate Laxmikant Desai along with a police posse were present at the site. Saldanha’s PA Cliff Vaz was monitoring demolition drive.
