NT NETWORK
PANAJI
A delegation from Calapur Plus group, Santa Cruz on Wednesday met the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vijai Sardesai in Panaji and demanded action against alleged illegal hill and tree cutting by a private builder at the periphery of the century old Bondval Lake located behind Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee indoor stadium at Taleigao.
The delegation blamed the deputy town planner of Tiswadi taluka for not implementing the stop work order at the Bondval Lake issued by the deputy collector for the flying squad section.
“TCP has not sent their officials at the site to verify the violation of section 17-A of Town and Country Planning Act,” said, activist Arthuro D’Souza.
It may be recalled that deputy collector had issued stop work order on March 15, and had asked the TCP department to inspect the site and take necessary action if the builder failed to provide the required documents, permissions for the construction of a road at the periphery of Bondval Lake. D’Souza alleged that in the southern part of the lake the builder has carried out illegal hill cutting by which the entire vegetation has been destroyed and many trees have been burnt. They now fear that during monsoon the lake might be buried due to landslides.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to Sardesai and demanded prompt action by the department of TCP.
Sardesai assured to look into the matter and directed the deputy town planner of Tiswadi taluka to inspect the site and submit a report by Wednesday evening.
“One thing I can promise you that we will do everything to protect and restore the lake,” said Sardesai after listening to their grievances.
He assured the delegation that along with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, he will inspect the site within the next seven days and then take appropriate action.
