The Benaulim panchayat was surprised to the illegalities ofthe previous panchayat body wherein the Hotel Beach was given the panchayat nodto carry out repairs for a meager Rs 500 but in reality, the project that isnow taken over by Triumph Developers, New Delhi is actually carrying reconstructionand renovation. “The previous panchayat body headed by Carmelina Fernandes wasresponsible for this mess. The hotel needs to send in reconstruction plans,which can be given a nod only after a gram sabha resolution is passed and theTCP clears the file for the same, while also the Coastal Management Zone has toinspect the matter. In the name of repairs, renovations, expansion andreconstruction is a total violation of constructions laws,” stated SarpanchRoyla Fernandes
The Benaulim Panchayat has decided to call for a vigilanceprobe in the matter and also cancel the permissions granted to the hotelbesides moving court to bring a stay on the works. “ There is a total CRZviolation. Construction at the Beach Hotel site is taking place just over 200meters from the sea. We have applied under RTI for permission details from theTown and Country Planning Authorities, but RTI reveals that no permissions havebeen taken for the same. This is utter negligence by the previous Panchayatbody,” stated a resident Antonio Caetano, aka Jacob.
“In reconstruction or hotel expansion, the fees paid to thepanchayat is almost 5-10% in taxes as infrastructure tax, which the panchayathas lost out on in terms of revenue. How could this work be allowed in the nameof repairs for a cheap sum of Rs 500,” questioned a lawyer Antonio Cardozo.
“It’s surprising how the work was tendered with so muchillegality and even worse, the files of the said project are missing from thepanchayat. This is some corrupt nexus with the panchayat staff. I have calledthe panchayat body to form a committee in this matter and study the violationsand present a report to vigilance on the missing files from the panchayat,”stated local MLA Caitu D’Silva.
Former Sarpanch Camelina Fernandes refused to speak to TheGoan on the matter and insisted that the permissions taken could be reviewed.
