High court directs inspection of land filling in Merces

Panaji: In a case of large-scale land filling at Morombi o Pequeno in Merces, the Bombay high court on Monday directed its appointed task force to inspect the site and submit a report on the extent of filling and the damage to nearby mangroves and khazans. The petitioner submitted photographs showing extensive filling, which the court took on record.The court also asked the task force to assess the environmental cost of restoring the land to its original condition and recover it from those responsible. It said the violators would be liable for contempt of court as well as violations of the Environment Protection Act and other laws.Further, the HC directed the Goa Waste Management Corporation to identify at least two to three landfill sites within Tiswadi for dumping the excavated soil. While a site at Tuem in Pernem had been designated, the court said it appeared uneconomical given the distance from the affected area, and questioned why no suitable sites were available within Tiswadi.