the goan I network
MARGAO
The Carmona panchayat members headed by Sarpanch Winston Dias on Thursday knocked the doors of the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai to keep work at the Raheja project site on hold and hold joint inspection of the site at the earliest.
The TCP minister, however, sounded non-committal on issuing directions to keep the project on hold, but has sought to examine the issue.
The Carmona panchayat delegation called on the TCP minister during his visit to the South Goa district Collectorate on Thursday morning with a plea to keep the project on hold and to hold a joint inspection of the project.
Panch member Allwyn George drew the attention of the TCP minister that the project has been approved despite the 3.5 metre road bottleneck, making it very clear that the project is not in the interest of the village. During discussions, the TCP minister sought to know whether a hotel would be acceptable for the villagers if they have apprehensions if the housing project would alter the village demography.
Allwyn pointed out that work at the project site is underway, while apprehending law and order situation in
the village.
After giving the delegation a patient hearing, the TCP minister said that he is inheriting the Raheja which is not of his making. "The Carmona panchayat has demanded to stop the ongoing work at the site and to hold a joint inspection. I am examining the issue and will take necessary action," Vijai said.
He pointed out that the issue needs to be examined at length since certain commitments must have been made by the department by virtue of the permissions. "Revocation and implementation of the revocation order may throw up certain legal issues. I will first examine the issue," he assured.
Allwyn pointed out to the TCP minister that the ruling Carmona body has been elected on the anti-Raheja plank, adding that villagers expect them to do justice on the issue. "We are happy that the TCP minister has promised to examine the issue," Allwyn said, while reiterating the demand of the villagers to keep the Rajeha project on hold and to hold a joint inspection of the project site.
