Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Complainant Inacio Domnic Pereira has alleged that Old Goa Police failed to conduct any inquiry into a complaint filed on April 8 regarding alleged mangrove destruction and environmental damage in Santa Cruz.
According to Pereira, the complaint also highlighted allegations of criminal negligence linked to the destruction of mangroves in the area.
Following the alleged inaction by police authorities, Pereira approached the Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Panjim, seeking intervention in the matter.
Officials said the Dy Collector and SDO, Panjim, has directed the Police Inspector of Old Goa Police Station to take necessary action and submit an Action Taken Report at the earliest.
Pereira expressed disappointment over what he described as apathy by police authorities towards environmental violations.
“Old Goa Police seems to have no time for serious cases involving environmental destruction and protecting those responsible for mangrove destruction,” Pereira alleged.
The issue has raised concerns among environmental activists and local residents over the protection of ecologically sensitive mangrove areas in Santa Cruz.
Further action in the matter is awaited following the direction issued by the Dy Collector’s office.
