Panchayat denies permission, residents question delay in action and demand demolition of structure
A compound wall built in low-lying fields at Banda-Assolna. Locals say the area is part of a water body.
MARGAO
Assolna village saw strong opposition on Thursday after a compound wall was built and vegetation cleared inside a water body at Banda, locally known as Meshna Handi.
The issue was discussed at a joint meeting called by Sarpanch Isaca, attended by members of the Panchayat, Village Development Committee, and Biodiversity Management Committee. The members later visited the site to review the situation.
Villagers have raised concerns over the lack of timely action, pointing out that the wall has already been constructed within the water body. Many questioned why stricter steps were not taken earlier to stop the work.
After the inspection, the Sarpanch said the Panchayat had not given permission for either the construction or the clearing of vegetation. A stop-work notice had been issued, but the work reportedly continued, raising concerns about poor enforcement.
Congress leader Savio D’Silva has backed the residents opposing the project. He alleged that vegetation was destroyed to allow the construction and urged the Panchayat to take firm action.
Local resident Natividade D’Costa also criticised the destruction of trees and vegetation around the water body and said he plans to take legal action against those responsible. Velim MLA Cruz Silva assured support to the Assolna Panchayat in taking action against the landowner. “This cannot be accepted. No construction should take place in a water body, and vegetation should not be cleared,” he said.
