MAPUSA
Despite the recent government order seeking action against illegal filling and constructions on the roadside, landfilling and construction activity in agricultural land abutting the NH66 continues unabated.
An instance of shaving off of forest cover was also reported in Peddem, Mapusa.
The fields adjoining the National Highway in Gaunsavaddo and Camarkhazan, Mapusa have been ravaged by rampant illegal landfilling activity.
At some places illegal constructions have also started mushrooming.
A social worker John Lobo recently complained against an illegal construction near the Preeti International Hotel at Gaunsavaddo, Mapusa but expressed disappointment over lack of any action from the authorities.
“Three days ago I complained to the flying squad about an illegal construction at Guansavaddo. The construction is taking place without the mandatory notice board displaying various construction licences. The flying squad officials visited the site but failed to initiate any action so far,” Lobo said.
In another case, Lobo informed that some people were hacking down trees in a forested land near the Peddem Sports Complex.
“A JCB was used to uproot the trees and level off the land in the area. Since the area is forested land I complained to the forest guard of the area but so far no one has come to check on the activity. This is the only green cover that is left in Mapusa. Some unscrupulous elements want to eliminate this cover,” he said.
Digging and landfilling activity in the fields was also noticed on the left side of the NH66 at Guirim while travelling from Panaji to Mapusa.
For the last couple of days a JCB was found working round the clock in the fields even as piles of mud were found dumped in the area.
