Project on ESZ land rocks St Cruz VP meet

PANAJI: A major project proposed in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of salt pans near Bondir football stadium and the alleged misuse of housing under the 20-point programme for commercial purposes, near GMC hospital, generated heat at the gram sabha of St Cruz panchayat on Sunday.
The meeting chaired by sarpanch Vincent Lourenco witnessed heated debate on the long-pending proposal for a housing project in the salt pans and mangrove area.Recently, some stones had been fixed for marking the property and a small shed erected apparently for the watchman. Members who were aware that the panchayat has renewed the construction licence for the project demanded to know the terms and conditions for the renewal.
The area of the project near the stadium partly covers paddy fields, salt pans and mangroves. Part of the same area, which was proposed to be developed as a sports city in 2002-2003 earlier, is also marked as eco-sensitive zone in RP 2021.
While the members demanded that the construction licence be revoked, the panchayat did not provide any details, stating that the file is with the advocate.
The members also demanded that the commercial activity of some food outlets serving fast food and meals on land granted under 20-point programme in St Cruz near GMC hospital be stopped. The waste water flowing from the outlets into the nearby drains had created a problem of hygiene and stench for other residents in the neighbourhood.