MARGAO
Demanding revocation of all permissions and clearances issued for the Kaknamoddi land development at Cuncolim, Citizens of Cuncolim on Thursday demanded disciplinary action against officials of the Town and Country Planning department and Cuncolim Municipal Council for allegedly acting beyond their scope of granting licenses/permissions.
While demanding an FIR against the developer, the citizens disclosed plans to knock the doors of the Judiciary after writing to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and other officials to revoke the permissions for the land development.
Addressing the media, Dr Jorson Fernandes questioned the technical clearance given by the TCP, alleging “the fact that the TCP is silent over the matter enforces the fact that the TCP is hand-in-glove with the developer and hence are to be held collectively responsible for the destruction of the ecology of the property”.
He alleged that the hill cutting activity is being done referring to the illegal, fabricated and a false technical clearance granted by the TCP and Cuncolim Municipal Council on the pretext that the hilly land is flat and vacant.
Dr Jorson alleged that the Technical clearance has been granted in the absence of a contour plan which is a must as per the regulations of the Goa Land Development4 and Building Construction Regulations 2010. “It is shocking that the TCP has granted technical clearance without inspecting the site which leads one to conclude that someone may have indulged in corrupt practice”, he added.
Adv Tarun Rebello said the TCP and the CMC have failed to verify the ownership of the property inspite of the land registration details having been submitted by the developer.
He pointed out that he results of the hill cutting are very disturbing as the hill cutting and rock flattening leads to changes in the natural streams and springs, besides destroying oozes. “The Hill cutting will also lead to alterations of subp-surface flows and damages the ground water. Such ecologically fragile zones need to be protected”, he added.
Activist Avinash Tavares said the land in question is a hill with water bodies, including ponds at the bottom, having water channels.
He demanded that the Cuncolim Municipal Council cancel the permission granted to the developer, saying let the developer go to the court to challenge the decision. “The CMC did not apply its mind while granting the permission. We have no hope on the TCP after the discrepancies that have come to light”, he added.
Complainant Kabir Moraes appealed to the people of Cuncolim and outside to support the cause and stop the destruction of fragile ecology and the biodiversity.
