PANAJI
Tensions mounted on Friday at Mollem Panchayat office amidst allegations of No Objection Certificates (NOC) being issued by the panchayat body to the projects of laying a High Tension transmission line and 4-laning of NH-4A through the village without consulting the villagers.
Around 20 youths from Mollem assembled at Mollem Village Panchayat office on Friday morning upon learning that the panchayat officials were in the process of issuing a No Objection Certificate to these projects. The group proceeded to gherao the panchayat office bearers demanding deferral of the NOCs.
Police personnel were finally deployed to defuse the tension and to ensure that law and order are maintained.
Villagers have repeatedly opposed the double tracking of railway line while voicing the contention that it will have a negative impact on the biodiversity including the pristine Dudhsagar Waterfall, which provides livelihood through hinterland tourism to hundreds of local households.
However, speaking to the media, Sarpanch Tanvi Kerkar denied having issued an NOC to these two projects.
She stated, “NOC has not been issued to the project yet. We have convened a gram sabha on October 4 morning to gather people’s views.”
Mollem panchayat secretary Amol Tendulkar informed The Goan that the project of High Tension Electricity wire and four-laning of NH4A involving land acquisition were among the matters discussed at the routine panchayat meeting.
