The November 15 deadline to clear the massive encroachments on the water bodies at Quelossim came and went, with technical and procedural hitches apparently coming in the way of honouring the deadline.
During her last site inspection on November 4, Forest and Environment Minister Alina Saldanha, who is also the Cortalim MLA, was assured by the Cortalim-Quelossim panchayat that steps would be initiated to clear the encroachments and the panchayat had sought time till November 15 to begin dismantling and clearing the encroachments.
South Collector Venancio Furtado too had pitched in saying he would provide a demolition squad and police force to the panchayat to carry out the task.
Saldanha, who was accompanied by various authorities, including GCZMA Member Secretary Srinet Kothawale, GCZMA Member Dr Antonio Mascarenhas and the Mamlatdar, had also assured their help in this regard.
However, after many assurances, the exercise appears to have now got embroiled in a bureaucratic tangle, with authorities finding it difficult to push forward with their task which could now take months, if not years, to clear the encroachments.
For instance, Cortalim-Quelossim talathi Surendra Kerkar attached to Mormugao Mamlatdar had to give up the job entrusted to him by the deputy collector to determine the illegalities.
Says Kerkar, “After I received the directions, I along with the Mamlatdar’s surveyor went to the site at Quelossim. But the area is massive. We cannot do anything since it involves a lot of work. I have already informed the Mormugao Mamlatdar to give us more surveyors and the instruments to carry out the survey. It is now left to them,” Kerkar told Herald.
What is striking is the encroachments, such as replica of Bom Jesus and a pontoon, have been left untouched although it is a case of encroachment, with the authorities appearing uninterested in initiating any action.
The Cortalim-Quelossim gram sabha had also criticised the panchayat and accused it of being a mute spectator to the illegalities in the water bodies.
Says Lupino Xavier of Quelosim: “The panchayat had promised to initiate action by November 15. I went to inquire in the panchayat only to be told that the secretary is on leave till next month. The same secretary was officiating when the panchayat had issued ‘willingness letter’ to the promoter in 2012. I will not be surprised if the leave has been taken to avoid initiating action since the stakes are high,” Xavier said, adding that Saldanha has to look into the matter.
When contacted, Saldanha said she was busy following the resignation of Manohar Parrikar as chief minister and the subsequent developments. “I will definitely inquire into the progress made and I will not stay quiet,” Saldanha said.
Despite efforts, Sarpanch Illario Figereido was not available to comment on the matter.
