Date: 5 January, 2016 To, Editors, Bureau Chiefs, Admins,
A Press Note for kind favour of publication. Thanking you, Yours sincerely, Sd/ Hon. G.S. Goa Environmental Action Group-GEAG. *** GEAG Member assaulted during NGT ordered site-inspection GCZMA (Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority] on the direction of the National Green Tribunal issued on December 14th to file a 'Compliance Report' had scheduled the inspection of the Hill Rock Resort and Restaurant at Tiracol Village for 4th. January, 2016 at 10.30 a.m which was later carried out at 3.00 p.m. Goa Environmental Action Group (GEAG) member Savio Rodrigues had approached the NGT to expose the blatant illegality and inaction of the government to stop the illegal construction of the resort. He had shown to the NGT that this structures had no permissions from any government authorities, including the local panchayat, and were built in violation of the all rules and regulations in force. The GCZMA team consisted of Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Shirodkar. The Complainant was accompanied by Mr. Floriano Lobo , the Hon. Gen. Secretary of the GEAG. At the site, the son of Mr. Diogo Constance D'Souza, who is in possesion of properties under Survey Nos. 15(1A) & 15/2, Mr. Sarto D'Souza, assaulted Mr. Savio Rodrigues through a rain of abuses with a threat to kill him, resulting in the damage to his spectacles and bruises to his face. Mr. Savio Rodrigues later filed a Police complaint with the Pernem Police Station, where he was sent for a medical check. However, the Pernem police have prefered to register a Non Cognizable Offence against Mr. Sarto D'Souza. The Case No: 09/15 has been filed Under Section 504, 506, 427 1-D.E. Speaking on the developments, Mr. Floriano Lobo expressed, "This is deplorable and unacceptable that a member of an NGO be man-handled by violator of all government building laws, rules and regulations. It is even more shocking and disappointing that the Pernem police only filed a NC. In fact, we had instructed the GCZMA get police protection, knowing the sensitive nature of the violations. But all that the GCZMA could do is to tell us not to worry . The Pernem Police themselves showed their acute surprise that GCZMA even went to the site without requesting police protection. "We are very sensitive to Tiracol after the Leading Hotels episode,. We would have provided police protection even if this was requested by dialing 100 " they said. Sd/- Floriano Lobo Hon. General Secretary, Goa Environmental Action Group - GEAG 2nd. Floor, Karekar Bldg, Angod, Mapusa. Tel: 0832-2266111, Mob: 9890470896
