Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Goa Congress has urged severe restrictions to prevent such unlawful actions and called for a comprehensive investigation into the situation, stating that rampant hill cutting is occurring throughout the state.
Vice President Sunil Kawathankar of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) said at a press conference, “The Chief Minister recently said hill cutting would not be tolerated, but even after his statement, such activities are still being witnessed almost daily all over the State and the administration does not swing into action unless the media highlights it.”
“This simply suggests that the Pramod Sawant-led government is all but gone, as the reinstatement of hill cutting is not feasible. Kawathankar cautioned that “the Congress party will not remain silent as far as hill cutting and destruction of environment is concerned” and questioned how hills could be turned into habitation zones. “Eco-sensitive zones are being converted on a large scale.”
“Every Goan needs to consider the way that the State is heading. Goans can no longer even afford to purchase a modest plot of property in the state due to the skyrocketing land rates brought on by the widespread conversions, he claimed.
In the meantime, Kawathankar has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, requesting that the current illegalities be thoroughly investigated and that those who violate the law be held accountable.
In order to stop additional environmental deterioration, he has also insisted that steps to repair damaged regions be taken in full.
“The recent hill cutting incident at Dharbandora in broad daylight is a stark reminder of your government’s inaction and complicity,” Kawathankar stated. Prolific hill-cutting operations are occurring all over the state, endangering the people of Goa and destroying the ecosystem irreversibly.”