KERI: Construction of a paver road from Mollem to Dudhsagar through the Mollem National Park has angered greens.
The contractor has commenced work on the all weather road despite the rain.
It also learnt that there is a proposal to construct a road from Collem to the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Stating that both the projects are illegal as they are not permitted under Section 29(1) and 35 (6) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Goa Foundation has written to the chief wildlife warden Santosh Kumar asking for an inquiry into the matter.
“Please inquire into this matter and take notice of the intention of the foundation to move the high court for an inquiry into how such projects have been sanctioned within the wildlife sanctuary and national park, despite numerous orders of the Supreme Court of India,” director Goa Foundation Alvares wrote in the letter.
A government officer on condition of anonymity told TOI that the public works department (PWD) commenced the work as per the request of stakeholders. “The work order has been issued to the contractor. The work has been ordered as the existing road is muddy and uneven and vehicles plying on it face inconveniences,” the officer said.
Goa Foundation has asked the chief wildlife warden to order the relevant authorities to stop work on these projects and to restore the area to its original condition.
As the paver road passes through the National Park, a no-objection certificate was necessary, either from the Goa State Wildlife Board or the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife of India, sources said.
