THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
The Niz Goenkar Revolution Front (NGRF), on Saturday, opposed the proposed construction project that houses the CISF residence along with arms depot at Assoi Dongri.
NGRF spokesperson Chandrashekar Vasta alleged that the proposed project is in close vicinity of Dabolim Airport which houses various residential colonies in the immediate surrounding. He also alleged that the contractor has indulged in hill-cutting and felling of large trees without permission, besides burying a natural spring which existed for many years in the area.
Vasta said he had earlier filed a complaint with the forest department which had immediately sent a flying squad to the site to take stock of the situation, but till date the authorities had not acted on the complaint.
"The flying squad and the forest department had conducted a raid but till date, they have done nothing. There was no board at the site then and neither did they have any permissions. Today they have put a board up and a JCB is engaged to cut huge trees. The hill is also cut in a very dangerous fashion which could prove risky to the surroundings. The JCB has also buried a natural spring in the area which is a heritage site and has religious attachment to the village. How can they bury a spring and why is an arms depot being proposed in a residential area?" questioned Vasta.
Alleging that the panchayat could be hand in glove with the project proponent, Vasta said, "Such construction should be undertaken in a remote area and not in a residential one. The Railway and Airport are close by and this could be the next target for terror attacks. The project is all out to destroy a natural water resource and does not have all the approvals. After my previous complaint, some permission are taken partly on fast-track to avoid punishment. Strict action must be taken and this project must be stopped immediately."
Meanwhile, when contacted, Dy Sarpanch of Chicalim Panchayat, Kamla Prasad Yadav said that he had also received complaints that trees were being cut and a spring was buried.
"We have heard that works of some CISF project is going on, and that without permission from WRD they are burying a natural spring. We will conduct an inspection on Monday and check for any illegality. We have given them a construction licence but cutting of trees and burying of spring is a crime if there are no valid permissions. We will check for all necessary permissions and plans and immediately revoke construction licence in case of illegalities," said Yadav.
