Outgoing municipal body faces scrutiny over rapid urbanisation, residents’ concerns
File photo of the Cuncolim Municipal building.
MARGAO
As the five-year term of the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) formally ends on Monday, with a government-appointed Administrator set to take charge, the outgoing civic body finds itself under public scrutiny — not for routine governance, but for the emergence of mega housing projects in a town that still retains its village character.
At the centre of the controversy are the couple of mega residential developments, including a proposed 75-apartment complex with commercial space at Panzorconne, and multiple housing projects in the Veroda locality. Among them is a 65-apartment complex equipped with amenities such as a swimming pool. These projects have sparked concern among residents over their potential impact on Cuncolim’s demography, infrastructure, and traditional landscape.
Questions surrounding these developments came to the fore during the Council’s final meeting. Outgoing CMC Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas moved a resolution opposing any attempt to renew the construction licence for the Panzorconne project. Meanwhile, the councillor representing Veroda ward demanded the immediate revocation of permissions granted to large-scale housing projects in her jurisdiction.
However, The Goan has learned that while the Council formally adopted a resolution not to renew the licence for the 75-apartment project, it had reportedly already accepted fees for its renewal. Adding to the confusion, no official within the civic body could confirm whether the resolution had been forwarded to the government. It also remains unclear whether the incoming Administrator will take cognisance of the resolution.
The developments have triggered a broader debate in Cuncolim: were these projects approved by the municipal administration without the knowledge or consent of elected councillors? If so, residents are questioning why their representatives failed to take the public into confidence or formulate an action plan to address concerns over unregulated growth.
Critics in local circles further point out that, unlike in other areas such as San Andre constituency or Sancoale, those in control of the Council appear to have made little effort to mobilise residents against the mega housing projects—raising doubts about the seriousness in opposing them.
Background and concerns
Cuncolim, traditionally known for its semi-urban character and strong village identity, has witnessed gradual urbanisation over the years. However, the scale and nature of these recent housing projects mark a significant shift, raising fears of unchecked development.
Local stakeholders have pointed to the absence of a comprehensive carrying capacity study — an assessment that evaluates whether existing infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and public services can sustain increased population density. Without such a study, critics argue, large developments risk overburdening civic amenities and altering the socio-cultural fabric of the town.
Residents have also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the approval process, with many claiming they were unaware of the projects until construction activity began.
What lies ahead
With the elected council demitting office and an Administrator stepping in, how the administration will go about these projects remains unknown. Whether the incoming administration will review, halt, or allow the developments to proceed have left locals to keep their fingers crossed.
For now, the controversy has underscored the need for greater transparency, public consultation, and sustainable urban planning as smaller Goan towns navigate the pressures of rapid development.
