MARGAO
Margao Deputy Collector Prajeet Chodankar has directed Vijay Marine Services to stop the alleged land filling in Loutolim and to forthwith show cause as to why action deemed fit should not be taken for the activity.
The stop-work order has been issued by the Deputy Collector, Margao, after a site inspection by the flying squad revealed that the company had allegedly carried out illegal land filling in Loutolim.
The flying squad further stated that no board was displayed at the site showing permission from the Town and Country Planning Department and that no documents/permissions were made available at the site, saying, “prima facie the action is a violation of Section 17(A) of the TCP Act, 1974, which is a cognisable offence”.
The Deputy Collector has directed the party to remain present in the office of the Town Planner, Town and Country Planning Department, Salcete, either personally or through an authorised pleader, with all necessary permissions/approvals/licences within 48 hours from the date of receipt of this notice, failing which an FIR will be filed against it.
The flying squad had responded to a complaint lodged by residents of Loutolim regarding the recent filling of low-lying eco-sensitive lands, claiming that the activity would be disastrous for local fisherfolk and the environment.
