MARGAO
Sardesai had in the past opposed any attempt by the SGPDA to change the zone atop Monte Hill along the road from orchard to settlement on grounds that settlement will not only destroy the aesthetics of the heritage area, but will wipe out the last vestige of the green cover.
Questions are being raised whether the Fatorda MLA, who now presides over the TCP portfolio, will come out with any plan to save the situation with a builder securing his property with a compound wall sans the green cover. Fears are indeed being raised in the city circles that while construction of compound walls in orchard zone is not barred by law, the disappearance of the green cover, including trees and vegetation, might defeat the very purpose of an orchard zone.
Margao Municipal Council councillor, Glen Andrade, who is aligned to the TCP Minister's camp in the civic body, said the situation at Monte Hill is indeed a cause for concern. Glen had opposed the land filling activity atop the hillock in March last and had disclosed plans to get the TCP Minister to inspect the site and initiate action. "I know that the planning rules do not bar construction of compound wall in an orchard zone. In the instant case, the green cover has vanished from the property secured by a compound wall. If this scenario continues, other owners may follow suit and a situation may come one day wherein the entire green cover along the Monte Hill Chapel-Sanatorium road disappears," he feared.
The councillor said he would also press the MMC Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai to intervene so that the green cover remains untouched for the posterity.
