RG performs ‘pind daan’ of TCP dept over construction violation at Bambolim

Panaji: With the town and country planning (TCP) department turning a blind eye to the construction violations at Bambolim, Revolutionary Goans on Thursday staged an unusual demonstration outside the TCP office by performing a symbolic ‘pind daan’ ritual of the TCP department.
The ritual, typically conducted to pay homage to deceased ancestors, was held to signify that the TCP was insensitive to their innumerable pleas for action against blatant violation of TCP laws. The ritual was conducted by the jalmi, a tribal priest, who invoked the rakhandars (guardian deities) and prayed that divine justice ensure “retribution for the sins committed” by the TCP officials.
The protest, which was led by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, was triggered by the TCP department’s move to prevent Borkar and RGP members from entering the office building.
“There are so many places in St Andre constituency where illegal permissions are given. These projects do not fit in the rules of the TCP but permissions are given,” said Borkar.
He, along with RGP president Manoj Parab, wanted to question TCP officials about discrepancies in the approvals granted for construction in Bambolim. Goa police personnel were deployed outside the TCP office at Patto to block the protestors.
Pind daan is a Hindu ritual that honours deceased ancestors by offering food and prayers. Borkar also said that the ritual was performed to save Goa’s soul.
A day earlier, the TCP conducted a half-hearted site inspection at Bambolim where permission for a massive resort has been given by manipulating the width of the road. While the project plan shows a 15 meter road, the actual road width is 6.5 meters. This was established when the TCP department measured the road in front of Borkar.