Mandur sarpanch, locals protest, accuse Gera of dumping waste on communidade land

THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Angry residents of Dongrim, Azossim and Mandur led by their Sarpanch Ajit Bakal staged a demonstration in Panaji on Wednesday, after accusing Gera Developers of illegally dumping waste material on Communidade land at Paripoli.
Speaking to reporters during their demonstration at 18th June road in Panaji, Bakal accused Gera Developers of dumping about 800 truckloads of construction material in communidade land.
“We had already demanded that they remove the debris, but the company clearly ignored this request, claiming that the contract had been given to a third party,” said Bakal.
“We brought this issue to the notice of the communidade committee and they should visit the place and direct the company to remove the waste. We are awaiting a report from the communidade committee in this connection,” the sarpanch added.
“There are the 'Padukas' (sacred slippers) of our deity Navdurga, where the waste is currently being dumped. Foul smell has engulfed the area and if the dump if not cleared soon, heaps of garbage will flow down during the rains,” stated Bakal.
Asked about the reason to hold the demonstration at 18th June road, Bakal replied, “The company concerned has organised a property fair at the site and we decided to hold a demonstration here to highlight the issue.”
Meanwhile, Gera Developers has issued a press note denying the allegations made by the panchayat members in its entirety and have threatened to take legal steps against members of the panchayat who had engaged in defaming the organisation.