Panaji: As Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa brought to the notice of the government about alleged blatant illegalities committed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation situated in Betul, the Minister for

Town and Country Planning Vishwajit Rane assured him to initiate action in the matter.

D’Costa raised the question in the state legislative assembly on Wednesday pointing out that the ONGC complex in Betul spread on around 8 lakh sq metres of land has been carrying out various activities including cutting of hills to create facilities without obtaining permissions from the authorities.

He also said that the ONGC is not even paying fees to the local panchayat, adding that there is no employment for locals and above all contractors are also outsiders.

Rane said that ONGC has not taken any permission from the government.

“I will ask for a joint inspection of the complex. We have also not exempted them from permission,” he said.

Local MLA also said that ONGC officials are taking locals for granted.

“There has been hill cutting going on. But no action taken against violators,” he pointed out.

The Minister assured that he will take action.