Residents question if narrow roads meet planning norms
MARGAO
The approval of large-scale housing projects in the Veroda locality of the Cuncolim Municipal area has triggered fresh concerns among residents, particularly over whether the existing road infrastructure meets the required norms.
Locals have questioned whether any of the roads in the area conform to prescribed standards, especially in light of the scale of the developments being permitted. According to residents, the main access road to Veroda is narrow and does not allow the smooth passage of two four-wheelers simultaneously, raising serious doubts about its suitability to support high-density residential complexes.
This has led to speculation over whether authorities granted approvals based on the actual ground conditions or on proposed road expansion plans.
A local resident pointed out that regulations typically mandate a minimum road width — often around 10 metres — for approving large housing projects comprising dozens of apartments.
“As far as Veroda is concerned, we are not aware of any road that meets the 10-metre width requirement. This raises the question of whether approvals were granted based on proposed road norms rather than the existing situation on the ground,” the resident said.
The issue has added to the growing scrutiny of mega housing projects in Cuncolim, with citizens increasingly demanding transparency in the approval process and stricter adherence to planning regulations. Concerns are also being voiced about the long-term impact on traffic movement, safety, and the already limited civic infrastructure in the locality.
