MARGAO: Rejecting the allegations levelled against them, the Varca village panchayat has pointed out that they have acted against the sand dune destruction, and also implemented the resolution adopted by last Sunday’s gram sabha meeting.
It may be recalled that activist Warren Alemao had alleged that the panchayat was yet to file complaints with the authorities concerned, and had thus filed complaints himself personally in the sand dune issue.
However, Varca Sarpanch Selu Fernandes produced copies of his correspondence to the authorities, showing that they had already filed a complaint with the Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Colva Police were also intimated in writing. The details of the resolution passed by the gram sabha members were also mentioned in these letters to the authorities.
Moreover, the Sarpanch said that the panchayat had already communicated in writing with a resort that is located near the beach and had received confirmation that they would get a copy of the CCTV footage for the month. This is being done in order to ascertain who was responsible for cutting through the sand dune, to clear a path to the beach.
The Sarpanch also showed a copy of its correspondence with GCZMA in the previous week regarding the steps the panchayat had taken immediately to restore the sand dune. Meanwhile, a panch from the village along with his brother, took to social media to hit back and deny personal allegations that were levelled against them in connection with the sand dune destruction.
