MAPUSA
A 40,660-sq. mtr plot classified as natural cover, with portions falling within No Development Slope and Command Area Development Authority (CADA) areas, has been approved for conversion to Settlement Zone in Siolim-Oxel, triggering strong opposition from St Andre MLA and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) leader Viresh Borkar.
Borkar, accompanied by RGP supporters, on Tuesday submitted a representation to the Siolim-Oxel panchayat, objecting to the final zone-change notification for Survey No. 31/1-E under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, and the proposed conversion of two other land parcels in the village.
Citing the Regional Plan 2021 (RP-21), Borkar said Survey No 81/4, measuring 11,833 sqm, is classified as paddy land and falls within the CADA area, while Survey No 78/3, measuring 830 sqm, is classified as natural cover, with portions falling within No Development Slope and CADA areas. Both parcels are proposed to be converted to Settlement Zone.
Warning that the conversions could threaten agricultural land, natural drainage systems, groundwater resources and Oxel's ecological balance, Borkar also flagged the risks of flooding and landslides arising from development in environmentally sensitive areas.
He pointed out that Oxel was already grappling with severe traffic congestion, noise and air pollution, with restricted mobility for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire services. Further construction, he said, would aggravate the existing infrastructure strain.
Borkar also cited Public Works Department data indicating a severe water shortage in Oxel and the wider Siolim constituency, warning that additional construction would increase pressure on already strained water resources.
The panchayat's inadequate solid waste management arrangements were another cause for concern, he said.
The MLA demanded that the final notification for Survey No 31/1-E be withdrawn and reconsidered, while the proposed zone changes for Survey Nos. 81/4 and 78/3 be rejected.
He also sought a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, hydrological, agricultural and infrastructural implications before any further decision is taken.
