PANJIM: Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai is expected to inspect the lone natural water resource at St Cruz – Bondvol Lake – following allegations from residents that illegal activities are destroying the heritage lake.
“I will speak to the Chief Minister (Manohar Parrikar) and inspect the lake within a week’s time. I assure to do everything to protect the lake,” he told a delegation that met him seeking his intervention in the matter.
St Cruz residents had protested outside the TCP office for its failure to stop illegal hill cutting and encroachment by an individual. Later, at a meeting with the minister, the residents alleged that despite a stop work issued on March 15, the illegal activity continues. “There is hill cutting, deforestation and burning of trees and encroachments happening. The TCP has failed to act,” one of them complained.
Residents of Calapur and St Cruz have pledged to save Bondvol Lake that provides water for farming, consumption and helps conserving biodiversity.
The lake area falls in comunidade property whereas the lake has been grabbed by an individual. However, Kalapur Comunidade is fighting a legal battle over the custody of the lake.
