THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA
The Azossim-Mandur panchayat conducted an inspection of the property in which a structure was given temporary house number or EHN, on Friday, and found several violations that have taken place.
The inspection was held after Prof. Ramrao Wagh had urged for inspection of the property over alleged illegalities in the property.
Wagh had also demanded revocation of the EHN as he questioned how a company could be allotted a temporary house number.
During the inspection, it was found that a borewell was dug and water was pumped with the help of a generator set. But the person representing the company which owns the property informed that they have not availed any NOC from WRD.
Further, it was also noticed that the structure for which the EHN was allotted has been expanded by more than double of its original size, that too without any permission from relevant authorities.
Also, a septic tank, bathrooms, a shed and open water tank were found built without any permissions.
The panchayat secretary conducted panchanama of the illegally built structures along with panchayat staff.
Later, speaking to reporters, Sarpanch Prashant Naik said further action would be taken as per the procedure under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.
Prof Wagh, however, demanded that the temporary house number be revoked as he raised suspicion of a bigger scam in the offing as a special power line has been installed for the structure.
"A power line, covering over 500 metres and 20 power poles, has been laid just for this particular structure. Also, the company owner has applied for water connection based on the EHN," Prof Wagh stated.
"The company has further applied for conversion of the property into settlement, which points to a much bigger future plan," Wagh informed.
“Once water supply is granted and area converted to settlement, then it would become easy to apply for a mega project as already there's a power line available.”
"This area is one of the last forested areas in Mandur and if this property is converted into settlement then all other neighbouring properties will also get converted and it will take no time in the area getting converted into a concrete jungle," Wagh said.
He added that the issue will be raised again at the upcoming July Gram Sabha so that the people become aware of the danger that lies ahead for the village.
