MAPUSA
Upset over the revocation of the stop-work order against a proposed construction project belonging to fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, angry villagers of Pomburpa-Olaulim slammed the panchayat body for committing fraud against the people of the village and demanded resignation of the sarpanch.
The locals also said that they will approach the High Court against the alleged illegal mega project on a hill in the village.
Large number of villagers marched to the residence of the Sarpanch Leopoldina Fernandes and questioned her for the sudden turnaround to revoke the stop work order against the project.
They said that the panchayat had first admitted that the licences for the project were obtained fraudulently and after following proper procedure had issued the stop work order in August.
“What has changed in a matter of two months for the panchayat to reverse its decision?
Why did you revoke the licence? Did you not see the illegal activity during the inspection at the site? When the work is illegal how can you revoke the stop work order?” asked Dhiren Phadte, one of the locals who has been spearheading the protest against the project.
The sarpanch told the villagers that the TCP conducted an inspection at the site and found everything in order.
“The owner has obtained all the required permissions. We have no other option but to revoke the stop work order. If the villagers are still aggrieved then you can approach the court,” Fernandes said.
The agitated locals said that instead of siding with the villagers, the sarpanch appeared backing the project proponent.
“We have elected you and the other panchayat members of the village. You are the custodian of the village. If you cannot protect our land then resign as the sarpanch,” another local said.
Phadte informed that the villagers have already gathered relevant material and they will soon approach the court against the project.
He said the panchayat and the TCP were involved in granting the permission for the project.
