PONDA
The development of plots on 64,000 square metres of orchard land along the Mangueshi bypass in Kuncoliem has stirred up a major row in the village.
While locals of Mangueshi and activists have claimed that the plots are being illegally developed in the area, the developer and landowner have denied the allegations. The developer has, instead, accused some agitators of extortion.
It may be recalled that the Federation of Rainbow Warriors-Margao and United Goans Foundation had brought the issue to the notice of the Town and Country Planning (Ponda) officer Sandeep Surlakar.
Surlakar then wrote to the local panchayat to take action in the matter.
Speaking to The Goan, Surlakar said his office has taken action against hill-cutting and have lodged an FIR at Ponda Police station. “People had not mentioned the name of the developer, but we have taken action and the matter is under investigation,” Surlakar added.
FRWM General Secretary Abhijit Prabhudesai, UGF Vice-President Swati Kerkar and locals have demanded action under the Land Revenue Code, 1968, to stop the illegal conversion and to restore the land to its original condition.
On the other hand, the landowner, Shailendra Shinkre, insists he has not done anything illegal. “We decided to sell the land and we gave it to a developer. Even the tenant has no objection and it is our own land,” Shinkre said.
When contacted, the developer, Gopal Naik, also rejected any claims of illegality.
“Let anyone prove that we have cut the hill beyond permissible limit. It is not beyond 1.10 metres and there were no huge trees,” he said.
"Some of those who are protesting want to extort money from us. But I will not give them money under any circumstances,” Naik said.
Asked if an MLA was linked to the land deal, he replied in the negative and rejected rumours in Ponda that the land was purchased by the MLA.
“I don’t know why people are linking the MLAs name to this development project. He is my good friend, but this land is not owned by him. The fact can be seen on Form I&XIV,” he clarified.
According to Naik, some plots on the 64,000 sq mtrs of land had been sold.
Asked if the land had been converted to non-agriculture, Naik confirmed that it is still orchard land. “There is no rule stating that orchard land cannot be sold. We are not forcing anyone to purchase it,” he said.
When contacted, Veling-Priol-Kuncoliem Sarpanch Damodar Naik said he would not give permission to construct houses on these plots, if documents are not clear.
“We have written to departments concerned regarding these plots and have asked them to investigate the matter,” the sarpanch said.
