ANJUNA: Admitting that forestland is being destroyed in the name of farming, Anjuna-Cainsua Sarpanch Lavino Rebello has said the panchayat is helpless to act in the matter as the project has received the approval from other government departments. Rebello agreed to the sentiments of the villagers about the commercial developments in the name of farming activities.
Acknowledging that the matter is serious, Rebello said: “As far as I know, residents of Anjuna-Cainsua had demanded that the hilly area be earmarked as a ‘No-Development Zone’ so that greenery is maintained and the forestland is preserved for the natural habitat of wildlife. However, the same has been deprived now with the construction of farmhouses or huge structures on the forestland.”
“Chairman of the Panorama Harvests Co-operative Society Nilesh Dabholkar had informed me that they plan to use only 5% of the farming land for non-agricultural use. However, the construction at the site makes one believe that the project is definitely for commercial purpose,” said Rebello.
“Though forestland is being destroyed in the name of farming, the Panchayat is unable to do anything about it as the Society has all permissions from the other departments to go ahead with their project,” he said.
When pointed out that the previous panchayat body should have objected to the construction atop the hill, Rebello replied: “Definitely yes, even the courts would have not given them the permission as the same is a forestland.”
This is nothing but another way of promoting commercial dwellings atop the hill and we Goans are ready to sell anything for the sake of money,” ruled the sarpanch. Rebello has stated that the Panchayat has asked the Society to open the gates leading to the property for public access.
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