MARGAO
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Monday said that he cannot see the destruction of sand dunes, besides land filling in the fields in his constituency, but action against the culprits is simply not forthcoming from the government.
He said the rules are in place, but the authorities including the Environment Minister and the district Collector are not implementing the rules, adding that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is also busy with other things.
Referring to the charge made by his political opponents over his silence in the destruction of sand dunes along Benaulim coast, MLA Venzy said “it’s not that I cannot see the illegalities, but the government has no intention of initiating action”.
He added: “The government is allowing the destruction of the sand dunes. The government is allowing filing up of fields at Seraulim. I have personally spoken to the Minister to initiate action, but somehow no action is forthcoming from the government and the agencies”.
Pointing out that he had initiated a move to restore the sand dune at Varca, Venzy said he is ready to spend his MLA’s funds for the purpose, but government help is not forthcoming.
“ I have my head on my shoulders. I will not take anything for granted. I can see the sand dunes being destroyed, but the MLA has no authority to demolish the illegalities. I am ready to use the MLA’s funds for the purpose, but the agencies are not forthcoming to initiate action”, he added.
