Paroda meet sees fights over land issue

QUEPEM: A Paroda gram sabha on Sunday witnessed heated arguments between supporters of Cuncolim legislator Clafacio Dias and former MLA Joaquim Alemao over illegal land-filling in agricultural land.
After many years, the gram sabha recorded a heavy attendance, as more than 200 locals crowded the venue in government primary school premises. Dias was present with his supporters. Former Paroda sarpanch Gabriel Fernandes recently raked up the reclamation issue and accused Dias of supporting the illegality.He also complained to the panchayat that plots are being created and construction activity can be seen in agricultural land.
Locals along with Dias demanded that Fernandes withdraw the complaint, stating that most of the Paroda area comes under green cover and locals had problems in constructing houses.