Talpona locals complain of illegal hill-cutting

Poinguinim: The locals of Ganebaga, near Talpona, have complained to the Poinguinim panchayat that illegal felling of trees and hill-cutting is presently on in the area, causing massive damage to the local environment. Following the complaint, Poinguinim panchayat secretary has sent a letter to one Hirachand K Bafna to stop the work with immediate effect.
Ganebaga residents Premanand Metri and Lakshanti Naik alleged that construction of a road is being done illegally by cutting trees and the hill.
Locals also filed a complaint of hill cutting with the deputy town planner at Chaudi on Monday. The town planner’s office confirmed of having received the complaint and said that any necessary action will be taken after an inspection is carried out.
Canacona Range Forest Officer Anant Velip has also carried out an inspection at the site, following a similar complaint from locals, and said that alleged illegalities were found. Velip said offences will be registered against the concerned party.
Maya Metri, a local, said that a complaint was filed before the Canacona deputy collector over the alleged illegalities in September 2019. “Following this, an inspection was carried out and the concerned person was asked to stop the work. But despite the order, the illegal felling of trees and illegal hill cutting continued, which will lead to soil erosion in the surrounding areas, resulting in flooding. It will also affect the local farmers,” she said.
Locals allege that plots are being developed at the site and have asked the deputy collector to help restore the developed land to its original state to prevent any soil erosion.