Complaint against Calangute panchayat for irregularities

Calangute: A Calangute-based NGO has lodged a complaint with the director of panchayats alleging various

irregularities

in the administrative functioning of the

Calangute panchayat

, citing incidents from the recent past.

The NGO,

Calangute Constituency Forum

(

CCF

), has pointed out that a no-objection certificate for a proposed petrol pump in agricultural land was issued despite objections by five panchayat members. It was recorded in the minutes of a general body meeting without the knowledge of the members.

In another instance, the CCF has stated that a similar certificate was given to a resort at Gauravaddo (E) without placing the matter in the general body meeting.

In a letter to panchayats in Calangute constituency, CCF stated that Calangute is fast losing its rustic identity due to large-scale unplanned development, and flourishing of illegal activities.

The organisation stated that there was rampant filling of low-lying and agricultural areas, destruction of hills leading to depletion of the green cover, destruction of coastal sand dunes and also lack of basic infrastructure.

“We are taking up these issues in public interest and also to create awareness. It is up to the authorities to act,” CCF president Premanand Divkar said.