Mandur villagers flare over project illegalities

BOILING POINT
>> Mandur villagers spit fire as they are not allowed entry into mega project site
>> The villagers allege glaring illegalities in developing floating cottages
>> They also allege that the project is being developed by brother of a minister
>> The villagers call up Agassaim police to seek entry into the project property
>> 9000 sq mtrs of khazan land is being developed with a swimming pool, they allege
>> Contrary to RTI info, not 8 but 30 floating cottages are being built, they said
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OLD GOA: Villagers of Mandur got agitated, on Sunday, as they were not allowed entry inside a property where they allege glaring illegalities are being undertaken to develop floating cottages.
The project is being developed by brother of a minister as being alleged by the villagers. It may be recalled that recently a social activist Rama Kankonkar had in a media conference alleged that illegalities were undertaken while developing the project as records show one survey number whereas the actual project is coming up in another survey number. He had also alleged that while conversion has been obtained for residential purpose, the project coming up is for commercial purpose.
On Sunday, the villagers organised a public meeting wherein they said that they invited all the panchas but only three turned up -- Francis Po, Pauline Po and Cipriano Afonso.When the villagers questioned the panchas whether they are aware of what the project is all about, they replied in the negative and that is when the villagers decided to march to the site and conduct an inspection themselves. But, on reaching the site they saw the main gate locked and entry prohibited.
Activist Rama Kankonkar informed The Goan that they called up the Agassaim police after which only a few villagers were allowed to enter. “When we entered inside we observed huge illegalities as an area of 9000 sq mtrs of khazan land was being developed with a swimming pool of 2000 sq mtrs. Also, documents procured by us under RTI show 8 floating cottages but the master plan shows more than 30 floating cottages,” he informed. “The police then advised us to approach the deputy collector on Monday, to whom they said they spoke, and ask for an inspection for all the villagers,” Kankonkar said while stating that it was only then that the villagers dispersed from the site.
“We are going to call the deputy collector tomorrow and urge him to conduct an inspection of the property in the presence of all the villagers,” he added.
Kankonkar further stated that the developer has challenged the inspection of the project by the panchayat in the additional director of panchayats, the hearing of which is slated for February 6 and there is apprehension in the mind of the people that the panchayat may not challenge the same. “We have produced documents citing violations in the said project to various authorities but no action is forthcoming,” Kankonkar stated while informing that it only shows that there is political interference in the matter.