OLD GOA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) inspected the site where the Santa Cruz panchayat ghar has been planned, following a complaint by the Khazan Society of Goa over dumping of debris.
Present for the inspection were GSPCB JE Aryada Deshpande, Khazan Society’s Jack Sukhajia, Santa Cruz Sarpanch Jennifer Oliveira, Deputy Sarpanch Alson Braganca, panchas and others.
Though the panchayat authorities denied having dumped the debris at the site, they agreed that they have plans to build a panchayat ghar at the site.
JE Deshpande informed that even during the construction of the panchayat ghar, the debris cannot be dumped at the site and it has to be disposed in scientific manner.
“We do not have any problem with construction of a panchayat ghar at the site if there are permissions for the same but the panchayat has to ensure that there is no damage to the environment by way of dumping of debris. It has to be disposed off in scientific-manner,” said Deshpande, while adding that she would submit her report on the inspection and further directives will be issued to the panchayat.
The panchayat authorities, however, said the Khazan Society is selectively targeting them when violations are going all around the area.
Khazan Society member Sukhajia denied the charges and informed that they have been taking up various issues relating to destruction of Khazan land.
“If anything is brought to our notice with documentation, we are willing to take up issues where Khazan land is destroyed,”
Sukhajia informed.
Speaking on behalf of the panchayat, former dy sarpanch Domnic Pereira informed that they are building the panchayat ghar for the benefit of the villagers.
He added that the panchayat will overcome all odds and see to it that the panchayat ghar sees the light of the day.
Pereira also informed that the said site is not a Khazan as it is a settlement area for which the conversion Sanad has already been availed.
“If the Khazan Society is really interested in protecting the Khazans, then they should complain against various illegalities which are being conducted just adjacent to the site,” he demanded.
