Residents say large housing development may alter ward demography and local representation
Dovondem residents have intensified their opposition to a mega housing project.
MARGAO
As residents of Dovondem step up their opposition to the proposed mega housing project in their neighbourhood, a key question has begun to surface: could the Margao Municipal Council elections scheduled in May be the last time Dovondemkars elect a local resident to represent their ward?
The concern stems from the scale of the project, which proposes around 290 flats and apartments. Locals fear the development could significantly alter the demography of the Dovondem ward, an area that still retains a strong rural character with traditional occupations such as pork sausage making, cattle rearing and carpentry.
Residents say that apart from threatening these traditional livelihoods, the project could bring a large influx of outsiders into the ward. They argue that the flats are likely to be priced beyond the reach of most Goans, making them accessible mainly to buyers from outside the area.
“Assuming the project builds around 290 flats, it could bring nearly 290 new families into the ward,” said a local resident. “At present, the ward has around 100 houses belonging to local residents. Most of the new buyers will likely be outsiders since locals may not be able to afford such expensive housing.”
He added that the development could have significant electoral implications. “Just imagine the ripple effect on the voters’ list. In one stroke, the number of outsiders on the electoral roll could outnumber the locals in the next election or future elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, agitated residents of Dovondem further intensified their protest against the housing project, assembling near the project site and demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing work.
Residents also questioned how a project that had originally proposed 70–80 flats around a decade ago resurfaced with plans for nearly 290 flats after it was scrapped following strong opposition from locals.
Adding to their concerns is what they describe as a lack of cooperation from the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) and the Margao Municipal Council, which residents claim have failed to provide details about the project.
A woman protester, Dumiltida Rebello, said residents remain united in their opposition. “Residents of Dovondem are strongly opposed to this mega housing project. Dovondem is a small ward nestled among paddy fields and water bodies. We had opposed this project in the past. We have no idea who has cleared it again,” she said.
Residents said their fears have grown after they noticed vehicles registered outside the state at the project site.
“When we are already facing issues related to water, electricity and sewage, just imagine what will happen to the local population once such a massive project is commissioned,” remarked another resident.
Margao Municipal Councillor Johnny Crasto, who had represented the ward earlier, said he was unaware of the project being approved by the SGPDA and the Margao Municipal Council.
“Normally, construction projects are not brought to the notice of elected councillors. I stand with the people of Dovondem in demanding that the project be scrapped,” Crasto said.
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Vijai blames BJP-controlled bodies for clearing project
MARGAO: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Friday said that the controversial housing project proposed in the Dovondem ward has been approved by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority and the Margao Municipal Council, both controlled by the ruling BJP.
He further said that he will stand by the people of Dovondem in support of their agitation for the scrapping of the project.
Speaking his mind on the project, coming up just metres away from his residence, Sardesai said he cannot be blamed for the project when he had got it scrapped over half a decade ago.
“This project has been approved by the SGPDA headed by a BJP MLA and the Margao Municipal Council controlled again by the BJP. There are some people who are trying to make politics on this project by attempting to blame me. I am not responsible at all. The BJP is behind the project since the SGPDA and the MMC are controlled by the BJP,” he said, while adding that he would stand by the people of Dovondem opposing the project.
