the goan I network
OLD GOA
A local from Merces has complained of massive filling of low-lying areas along NH17 in Murda, which is one of the revenue villages of Merces.
The complaint by Michael Dias has been addressed to various authorities, including the North Goa collector, deputy collector, chief town planner, town planner, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Goa State Biodiversity Board, Old Goa police inspector, and Merces Biodiversity Management Committee.
The issue had also figured in the recent gram sabha of Merces, wherein locals had asked panchayat authorities to initiate necessary action in the matter. The locals had alleged that the land filling activity was done to make way for a dance venue.
In his complaint, Dias has outlined the survey numbers wherein large scale earth filling is being carried out and some illegal structures have been built.
“The above survey numbers are paddy fields and now the filling of mud has reached the salt pans which will effect the flow of water and displacement of water which will have devastating effect on the environment and under PBR mapping it will also disturb the land pattern and its biodiversity,” the complaint states.
Citing section 17A of the TCP Act, Dias has mentioned that no paddy field or low lying area can be filled and used for non-agricultural purpose.
Dias has further sought immediate intervention of authorities concerned in stopping the land filling activity, while praying that action be taken against the persons involved under relevant provisions of the TCP Act and IPC. When contacted, Dias informed The Goan that based on his complaint, officials from the GCZMA visited the site on Tuesday but could not conduct inspection due to want of technical personnel and equipment.“I have been informed that the GCZMA officials will return for an inspection along with the technical personnel and equipment at a later date,” Dias added.
