Khotigao p’yat seeks written assurance from Forest Dept

Sarpanchas of Khotigao, Poinguinim, Shristhal and others addressing a press meet at Canacona on Wednesday.

CANACONA   

Stating that none of the three panchayats is in favour of another forest checkpost in Khotigao village, Khotigao Sarpanch Vrunda Velip said her panchayat will obtain a written assurance from the Forest Department that no checkpost will be set up at Peeplamoll-Khotigao.

Addressing a joint news conference in the presence of Poinguinim Sarpanch Savita R Tawadkar and Shristhal Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar, Velip refuted allegations that the Forest Department was not cooperating with the people of Khotigao.

“Because of the forest department’s cooperation and permissions, we could carry out all development works in the reserved forest and wildlife sanctuary,” said Velip.  

Poinguinim Sarpanch Savita Tawadkar stated that Poinguinim village has a number of areas like Amone, Tirval and Marlim which come under the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and the forest department has cooperated in getting roads and electricity to the people of these areas.

Khotigao Dy Sarpanch Poonam, former Khotigao Sarpanch Anandu Desai, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar’s OSD Santosh Lolayekar, Canacona BJP Mandal President Prabhakar Gaonkar, and a number of Khotigao locals were present at the press briefing.

Lolayekar listed the development works completed and in the pipeline in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary areas, adding that the development had either taken place or is taking place because of cooperation from the forest department.  

When asked if the panchayat is okay with ongoing construction by the forest department at Peeplamoll, Khotigao Sarpanch Vrunda Velip said the construction is being carried out in accordance with the Forest Act.

“Neither has permission been sought nor has the panchayat issued permission, but the panchayat body will strongly oppose any checkpost at Peeplamoll. We are given to understand the construction is just to facilitate a rest place for forest staff and nothing more,” said Velip.  

“The forest department assured us that the construction will not be used to set up a checkpost.”  

Responding to further questions, Sarpanch Velip informed, “we will seek the forest department’s assurance in writing that they will not set up a forest checkpost at Peeplamoll.”  

Former Khotigao Sarpanch and panch Anandu Dessai also reiterated that they will not take it lying down if the forest department sets up a checkpost at Peeplamoll.  

“We will also agitate if, in spite of these assurances, the Forest Department goes back on its word to us,” he said.