PORVORIM
Growing instances of filling of low-lying fields in Sangolda has infuriated locals, while the Sangolda panchayat in spite of taking suo motu cognisance of the illegalities awaits complaints and seeks details of land ownership to act in the matter.
Locals have claimed that there are at least four cases of low-lying fields being filled with mud and debris and accused the panchayat members of failing to initiate action in the matter to stop the illegality.
Unhappy about the case of filling of land in Sangolda, residents had highlighted their concerns at the recent Gram Sabha on August 26.
Raising the issue, a resident Sandra Fernandes had sought to know the action being taken by the panchayat to stop the filling activities in the fields.
In his reply, Sangolda Sarpanch Avinash Naik had clarified that the panchayat had not received any complaint in writing regarding the activity.
“Those fields belong to the Comunidade. The panchayat had conducted an inspection, but could not get the names of owners of those fields.”
“If the names of owners of the fields are made known, the panchayat can then act in the matter said Naik.
Later speaking to the Goan, Fernandes said: “I had raised the issue of filling in the last Gram Sabha, but the panchayat has not acted in the matter.” “Uncultivated fields are being filled under the cover of darkness. Rampant filling of low-lying fields has been going on in the last couple of months, but the panchayat has failed to act on these illegal activities.”
“If these filling activities are not stopped immediately, the beautiful village of Sangolda will soon become a concrete jungle,” added Fernandes.
