HC orders probe into hill cutting complaint in Tuem

Panaji: The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the deputy collector, Pernem, police inspector, Mandrem police station, Mamlatdar of Pernem, and the deputy town planner, Pernem, to inquire into a complaint of hill cutting at Tuem, Pernem.

The division bench of the high court on Tuesday directed authorities to place before it on Wednesday, the correct position of the site and inform it whether there are any permissions granted for hill cutting.

Anant Mahadev Naik, represented by advocate Gaurish Agni, filed a PIL seeking urgent intervention against hill cutting at survey number 37/38 at Tuem, stating that it directly impacts the environment, public safety during monsoons, and ecological sustainability.

Naik, in his petition, stated that despite repeated written complaints and representations made to police authorities, revenue authorities, sub registrar, and village panchayat, supported by land records and official inspection reports, no effective action has been taken till date.

He stated that statutory authorities, including town and country planning authorities, forest department, state pollution control board, and revenue authorities, are legally obligated to regulate land development and protect environmental resources.