BELONIA, March 21 (TIWN): Ponds are being filled up in many parts of Belonia Municipality area without taking prior permission from Belonia Sub Division administration. The practice was brought to light on Saturday when two ponds were being fill up at Satmura area of Belonia.“Some promoters and a section of the administration have formed an unholy nexus and are carrying on such activities in the township,” said a local resident.

Officials said that recently, a few on-going constructions and pond fill up were going, as the land price here is spiraling,” said a local CPM leader.Cong Party alleged that in several cases, the police did not take any action against those who were filling up the waterbodies.

The CPM leader, who opted for anonymity, said the trend was to construct high-rises without sanctioning plans.“The promoters have their own building plans which they do not get sanctioned from the municipality. Still, constructions continue.

However local municipality members admitted that landfills were difficult to check. However, local residents and the ward committees “are active and complain whenever such cases are detected”.

The Opposition Congress alleged that a section of the ruling party was involved in the illegal practice and municipal officials were unable to rein them in. “There is no comprehensive plan of action against landfills,” alleged, leader of the Opposition in the municipality.

“Whenever we receive complaints, we take action,” Belonia Chairperson added.