Locals voice strong opposition to mega projects
MAPUSA
Villagers of Assonora on Sunday strongly opposed the setting up of mega housing and commercial projects in their village, warning that such large-scale construction would deprive locals of basic amenities and alter the rural character of the area.
At a gram sabha meeting, residents highlighted persistent issues of water scarcity and frequent power interruptions, arguing that mega projects would place an additional burden on already strained resources.
“Mega projects consume huge quantities of water and electricity. If we allow them here, villagers will be deprived of the basic facilities that are rightfully ours,” said local resident Vijay Benaulikar.
He added that unchecked urbanisation had already destroyed many towns and cities in Goa, where congestion, parking shortages and pollution have become daily challenges.
“We want Assonora to remain a rural village and not go down the same road,” he said, urging the panchayat to reject proposals for multi-dwelling projects.
Another villager, Advocate Sasha, joined others in vociferously opposing the government’s thrust on urbanisation.
“Our panchayat should not issue permissions for mega projects. These projects are not for the benefit of villagers, but only for builders and outsiders,” she remarked.
The residents also objected to the government’s proposal to widen village roads to 30 metres as envisaged in the Regional Plan.
“Our 10-metre and 15-metre roads are sufficient for village traffic. Widening them will only encourage more construction and bring in congestion,” Benaulikar said.
Concerns were also raised over garbage management, with villagers pointing out that the State has yet to devise a solution acceptable to all stakeholders.
Adding to their list of grievances, residents complained about the dysfunctional surveillance cameras installed by the panchayat, many of which, they alleged, were either non-functional or had gone missing.
Responding to the concerns, Assonora Sarpanch Meghashyam Chodankar assured the gathering that the panchayat would take corrective measures. “Within 15 days, the CCTV cameras will be repaired or reinstalled and made fully operational,” he said.
The meeting ended with a unanimous demand that the panchayat safeguard Assonora’s rural identity and resist the pressure to allow mega construction projects, which villagers fear will erode their resources and environment.
