MLA Viresh Borkar questions a TCP official during inspection of a project in Bambolim. Photo Manuel Vaz
THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA
Acting on directives of Chief Town Planner Rajesh Naik, TCP officials conducted inspection of a project in Bambolim on Wednesday.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar highlighted various illegalities and first pointed to the width of the road which was barely 8 metres but shown as 15 metres in the plan.
Later, he pointed to excavation of more than 20 metres depth which, he said, is in gross violation, and amounts to hill cutting.
Borkar also pointed to the damage to the springs due to the huge excavation which is evident from the springs which have sprouted all around the excavated grounds.
Borkar also pointed to the lack of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report which is mandatory for a project of over 20,000 square metres.
But, as TCP officials came only with a measuring tape for inspection, Borkar questioned how they would measure the exact depth of the massive excavation and demanded that officials of the Directorate of Settlement & Land Records (DSLR) be called at the site for the exercise.
However, a TCP official informed that DSLR authorities need to be informed in advance and only then would they remain present.
As the discussion went on for a while, MLA Borkar then demanded that the TCP issue a stop-work notice for the project till the next inspection is held and that no activity be allowed at the site.
Later speaking to reporters, Borkar questioned whether the TCP even held a site inspection before granting approval for the project.
"There are violations galore in this project and despite that, work is undertaken in full swing which is why I was demanding issuance of stop-work order by the TCP, but the official simply walked away," Borkar said.
On the future course of action, Borkar said he would raise the issue in the Assembly and demand stern action against all officials who granted permission for the project, without a site inspection.
