the goan I network
VASCO
Angry villagers of Velsao and Pale on Monday threatened to stop survey work planned by railway authorities for the feasibility of double-tracking in the area.
Several villagers led by social activist Roquezinho D’Souza confronted the panchayat secretary Vidur Fadte after a few villagers had objected to a survey by him on the directives of the BDO on Friday.
Stating that the area being surveyed was private property and amounted to trespass, social activist Roquezinho D’Souza questioned the role of BDO and the reason
for the haste in railway matters.
“We have been informed by the panchayat secretary that he had received a memorandum from the BDO on Friday afternoon via WhatsApp, directing him to physically verify the existing railway tracks for the feasibility of double-tracking and that there are no houses or human habitation within 15 metres from either side of existing railway tracks or otherwise.”
“He was also directed that the compliance report should reach the BDO office by 5 pm on the same day,” said D’Souza.
D’Souza then sought to know why the BDO’s memorandum was marked to the South Goa Collector and Deputy Collector, but not to Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha.
“We will not tolerate this and we want to know what has the BDO got to do with railway works and carrying out survey of private houses. We condemn the BDO’s memorandum who is apparently working under pressure. Land Acquisition Act does not concern the BDO, but is under the purview of the revenue department which entrusts such survey work to the talathi or Mamlatdar.”
Acting Sarpanch Sylvia D’Souza said many agitated residents had approached the panchayat claiming that the secretary had been surveying houses in the area.
“I was surprised when people told me about this as I was unaware of any such survey. When I cross-checked, I realised a memorandum was only marked to the panchayat secretary by the BDO. People also questioned the secretary in the matter, but he said he was only doing his job as per the memorandum from the higher-ups. We will surely take up the issue and not allow anything opposed by villagers,” said D’Souza.
Panchayat Secretary Vidur Fadte admitted having received the BDO’s memorandum on WhatsApp on Friday afternoon.
“After lunch, I went to survey the site and I realised that the Velsao Panchayat market complex itself is within 15 metres from the existing railway tracks.”
“As I continued to conduct the survey, a large number of residents reached the site along with Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and panch members. They questioned me about the haste to conduct the survey without informing the house owners. I had to return from the site and I also reported the matter to the BDO,” said Fadte.
