Cannot build within 100m of spring at Oxel, say villagers

Panaji: Oxel residents alleged that no construction can come up within a 100m radius of the local spring, as it is designated as a no-development zone under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
The issue was discussed at an inspection on Saturday by the health department following a complaint by an Oxel resident, Bluma Lobo, raising apprehensions about the possible contamination of the medicinal spring due to construction.Many locals are using the water for drinking purposes, Lobo said.
A standing order, as per the amendment carried to the EPF and notified on March 28, 2019, states that the area in a radius of 100m around natural springs is a buffer zone.
One of the villagers, Brian Fernandes, said to the sarpanch that no approval could be issued by the panchayat for any development activity and the panchayat has granted a construction licence for a housing project.
“We were shown revised project plans and the soak pits were shown relocated 30m from the spring to 70m distance. But this is not enough,” Fernandes said. The sarpanch was also questioned for granting approvals to it and locals pointed out that an inspection by Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority is required.