MARGAO
Varca village witnessed uproar over a mobile tower that has taken shape on a building in a residential locality.
Vehemently opposing the tower in a residential locality on grounds it poses health hazard to the locals, the residents called for removal of the tower without any delay.
They pointed out that complaints have been lodged with various authorities, including the local panchayat body to dismantle the tower, but in vain.
Joao Rodrigues, a resident of Chadwaddo, raised apprehensions that the mobile tower in a densely populated locality will affect the health of the local residents. He said the panchayat has not initiated any action when the Salcete BDO has asked the panchayat to initiate action as per the complaint lodged by the residents.
They pointed out that the panchayat disconnect the power and other connections to the tower if the company has not taken any NOC or permission from the local body.
Local panchayat member Solan Furtado made it clear to the media as well as the residents that the panchayat has not issued any NOC for the tower. “As far as the panchayat is concerned, I want to make clear that no permission or NOC has been given for the tower by the panchayat,” he said.
Solan said the letter received from the BDO was placed before the panchayat body meeting and a letter has been sent to the building owner to produce permission, if any, in support of the installation of the mobile tower. “The panchayat is having a meeting on February 11 and the issue will be discussed again. The issue will also be discussed at the forthcoming gram sabha meeting,” he added.
The building owner, on the other hand, has told the media that the mobile tower has been installed after complying with the guidelines.
