File photo of the sand dune destruction at Benaulim.
MARGAO
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas’ initiative to offer financial help from the MLA’s fund towards the restoration of sand dunes at Varca and Benaulim seemed to have evoked reservations from social activists.
In fact, social activist Judith Almeida insisted on criminal punishment for the violators and restoration of the sand dunes at their cost. “Why should the MLA spend tax payer’s money on the sand dune restoration work. The MLAs funds belongs to the public and should be used on the development of the people. Under the polluter pays principle, the polluter is mandated to pay for the violations. In the case of sand dunes, the violators should be punished and penalized under the same principle”, Judith said.
She added: “If the MLA is sincere and not playing politics, then why has he not suo moto visited the Sernabatim site till date and acted”.
Benaulim resident Rudolf Barretto, who had complained to the authorities, including the Benaulim village Panchayat on the sand dune destruction at Benaulim wondered why the Benaulim MLA should spend the MLA’s funds on the sand dune restoration. “Instead, the MLA should involve the agencies in zeroing in on the violators and get them restore the sand dunes at their cost”, Rudolf added.
