THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a swift response to a complaint regarding alleged illegal landfilling in the ecologically sensitive salt pan and water body along the Arpora“Calangute border, the Calangute panchayat conducted an on-site inspection at Agarwaddo and the Sarpanch ordered stoppage of the unauthorised landfilling.
Acting on a formal complaint submitted by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), the panchayat promptly issued a site inspection notice to the landowner based in Mapusa.
The complaint alleged unauthorised dumping of construction debris, leading to the destruction of salt pans and narrowing of the adjoining river.
“I have observed that you have already started filling the salt pan and also reducing the width of the river and salt pans, and therefore an inspection is scheduled of the site,” stated Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira in the notice served to the owner.
During the inspection, conducted by Panchayat Secretary Arjun Velip, CCF President Premanand Diukar highlighted that extensive landfilling had already taken place.
“The bund, which was originally around 1.5 metres wide, has been widened to nearly 6 metres by dumping construction debris to create a motorable access,” Diukar said.
He urged the panchayat to take immediate action to remove the debris and restore the area to its original state.
Sequeira, taking a firm stance, directed the landowner to immediately cease the unauthorised filling activity.
The CCF, meanwhile, submitted a detailed complaint to various concerned authorities urging stringent action. Their demands include halting further landfilling, penalising violators, restoring the damaged environment and installing warning signage to deter future violations.
“Salt pans are not wastelands “ they play a crucial role in flood regulation, biodiversity, and traditional livelihoods. We cannot allow them to be destroyed under the guise of development,” Diukar said, calling for urgent intervention by the Deputy Collector and other authorities.
While CCF expressed concern that such complaints often remain unattended for months, the Calangute Panchayat’s immediate action in this case has been welcomed as a positive and proactive step towards environmental protection.
