OLD GOA: Expressing disgust at the illegal land filling and rampant tree cutting being undertaken in the village, Merces sarpanch Prakash Naik said the panchayat will not tolerate such illegalities and warned violators to stop such activities or face action.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Naik said that rampant land-filling activities are being undertaken in many parts of the village, mainly in Vaddy, without permission.
“We have already notified the Collector, deputy Collector, flying squad and various other authorities on such illegal land filling,” he said and warned that if such activities continue unabated then the panchayat will be forced to take action against the perpetrators.
“We have also noticed that many trees are being cut in the name of road-widening, without taking permission from the forest department,” Naik said, and urged the locals to complain to the panchayat when they come across such activities so that action could be taken.
Speaking on the garbage issue confronting the village, Naik said the panchayat authorities have noticed that people from other villages are dumping garbage in Merces. “I strongly urge these people not to dump garbage in Merces. If anybody is found doing so, then a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 will be imposed on them,” he said.
Touching on the issue of illegal business being run in the village, Naik urged the people running such businesses to immediately apply for licences and legalise their businesses.
“If the panchayat comes across any business being run without permission, then immediate action will be taken,” he added.
