Team Goemkarponn
Santa Cruz: Tension prevailed in Santa Cruz after villagers stopped the digging of a borewell near Bondvoll Lake, objecting to the work and demanding clarity on permissions granted by authorities.
Locals gathered at the site and halted the drilling activity, questioning how permission was issued despite their pending demand for a re-survey of the area. Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Communidade, and the police reached the spot following the protest.
According to villagers, they had raised concerns regarding the land and sought a re-survey during a public meeting held on January 26 in the presence of Santa Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes. The issue, they claim, is still pending before the Government.
Residents expressed shock that both the WRD and the Santa Cruz Panchayat reportedly granted permission for the borewell digging in February, despite the matter being unresolved.
Villagers reiterated that until the government takes a final decision on their demand for a re-survey, no development activity should be allowed in the vicinity of Bondvoll Lake. They have urged authorities to revoke the permission and conduct a thorough verification of the land records.
Police maintained a presence at the site to ensure law and order, while WRD officials are understood to be examining the objections raised by the villagers.
