MAPUSA
In a significant action, the Health Department has imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on a prominent builder for failing to comply with mandatory health provisions at a construction site in Tarchi Bhat, Siolim.
The builder neglected to provide mandatory health cards to 15 labourers and maintained unsanitary conditions at the site.
The enforcement action followed pressure from local residents, the village development committee (VDC) and the Siolim-Marna panchayat.
A joint inspection of the site was conducted by the sanitary inspector attached to the Siolim primary health centre, alongside the local panchayat, VDC members and villagers.
The inspection revealed significant irregularities, including the absence of health cards for the labourers and poorly maintained temporary toilets.
The project, which includes plans to construct 20 cottages with separate swimming pools and other facilities, was found to have further violations.
The access road, planned to be six meters wide, was only three meters wide on-site, with no possibility of widening due to walls on either side.
Additionally, large walls under construction were causing inconvenience to local residents.
The project “ Rainforest Construction “ in survey no 80/1-H belongs to M/s Nanu Estates Private Limited as per inspection report signed by the Health Officer of Siolim PHC.
VDC Convenor Joaquim Barros highlighted the severity of these issues, emphasizing the impossibility of road widening due to existing barricades. Around 90 local residents accompanied the inspection team, raising concerns about the builder’s non-compliance and its impact on the community.
Water scarcity is another pressing issue in Siolim, with the village facing a shortage of approximately 7 million liters per day.
Barros urged the panchayat to conduct thorough inspections before issuing licenses to new projects, promising community support if proactive measures are taken.
“The panchayat should carry out inspection before issuing licences to projects to check the ground reality. If the panchayat does this then the entire village is ready to back the village panchayat to the highest level,” Barros said.
He has also written to all panchayat members, advocating for pre-licensing inspections to identify and address potential flaws.
He suggested that identifying issues early and communicating them to the Town and Country Planning department could help resolve such matters efficiently.
Despite cooperative and convincing responses from the sarpanch and secretary, the role of the sanitary inspector came under scrutiny.
It was only after the forceful inspection that the numerous irregularities at the site were uncovered.
The Health Department’s fine serves as a stern warning to builders to comply with health regulations and prioritize the well-being of labourers and the local community.
