Curtorim draws the line on mega housing projects

Curtorim villagers raise their hands in support of the resolution opposing multi-dwelling units in the village. Amongst those opposing the mega housing projects including MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and ex-ZP members Moreno Rebello and Michelle Rebello, farmer

MARGAO
Hundreds of villagers from Curtorim unanimously opposed the proposed multi-dwelling housing projects at Maina during a special gram sabha meeting held on Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Sarpanch Joaquim Estebeiro and attended by all 11 panchayat members, saw villagers raising their hands in support of a resolution demanding the immediate scrapping of the project comprising 26 flats and 16 villas.

Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, who attended the meeting, extended his full support to the villagers’ agitation against the multi-dwelling units. Maina Parish Priest Fr Domnic Savio Vaz also addressed the meeting, urging the people of Maina and Curtorim to unite in opposing the project proposed adjacent to the Church.

Villagers opposed the housing projects on multiple grounds, citing concerns over increased strain on already limited infrastructure. They highlighted the absence of a full-fledged Material Recovery Facility (MRF) shed for garbage management and pointed out persistent low water pressure in the village.

The gram sabha demanded a complete halt to all multi-dwelling units until a proper carrying capacity survey of the village is conducted.

Residents expressed concern that the addition of approximately 200 people through the 26 flats would significantly alter the demographic composition of the Maina ward. They also raised serious environmental concerns, arguing that the lack of sewerage facilities could lead to groundwater contamination.

The proposed project site reportedly lies on land hosting a water aquifer connected to the Maina Lake, situated barely 100 metres away. Villagers fear that pollutants and effluents discharged from the project could contaminate the lake, posing long-term environmental and agricultural risks.

Some gram sabha members blamed the panchayat for creating conditions favourable to the project. Moreno Rebello alleged that the Salcete Block Development Officer directed the panchayat to issue the construction licence by invoking the “deeming provision” after delays in communication from the panchayat’s side.

After much discussion, ex-Curtorim Zilla Panchayat member Michele Rebello read out the resolutions which were later passed unanimously by show of hands.

Demand to cap FAR at 60%

The gram sabha strongly objected to the reported increase of the project’s Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to 100% without approval from the gram sabha members. In a unanimous voice, members demanded that the FAR be capped at a maximum of 60% in the future.

They further pointed out discrepancies in road access. While the Regional Plan 2021 reportedly indicates a 25-metre road access to the project site, villagers stated that the existing road is less than 10 metres wide. The Curtorim panchayat had earlier raised objections on this ground, and the gram sabha made it clear that it strongly opposes any attempt to widen the road to 25 metres.

Farmers fear urban push will choke Maina’s lifeline

A farmer voices his opposition to mega housing projects in Maina.

Villagers stressed that the project would endanger Maina Lake, the primary source of irrigation for nearly 150 farming families in the area. They warned that pollution of the lake would render agriculture unproductive and discourage farmers from cultivating their fields, potentially leading to health issues such as skin diseases due to contaminated water.

Members cited examples of villages such as Fatorda, Navelim, and Velsao, where rapid urbanisation has allegedly led to declining agricultural activity. They expressed concern that similar development in Maina could undermine both farming livelihoods and local cultural and religious traditions closely tied to agriculture.

Opposition to land conversions

The gram sabha also demanded the scrapping of two additional projects proposed under Survey Nos. 461/1-B and 449/0, 450/1. Members opposed land conversions under Sections 39A, 17(2), and 16B of the TCP Act, citing potential large-scale environmental damage and further strain on the village’s limited resources.

Curtorim MLA links agitations to anti-incumbency sentiment

MARGAO: Ruling BJP’s coalition partner, Curtorim Independent MLA Reginaldo Lourenco has said that Goa had witnessed similar wave of protests and agitations in 2012 and attributed the same as a fall out of anti-incumbency and resentment brewing amongst the people.

While saying that what is witnessed in the State is part and parcel of the election process, he, however, said one will have to wait to see how things crystalise in the coming days.

Sounding a cautious note, the Independent MLA said that those who are opposing should do it in a sincere manner, saying the opposite party will also try to push their view point with equal force.

He also advised people not to unnecessarily target people considering others too have families and taking into account their stress and health levels. “As far as I am concerned, my commitment to agriculture is clear since I have been working for the farmers and agriculture in the last 20 years,” he added.

Panchayat to take legal route against multi-dwelling units

Curtorim Sarpanch Joaquim Estebeiro fielding questions from Curtorim gram sabha members on Sunday.

MARGAO: Curtorim Sarpanch Joaquim Estebeiro said the panchayat would go in appeal against the multi-dwelling projects based on the gram sabha resolution adopted at the Sunday meeting.

He said the panchayat would discuss the matter with the legal advisor to cite technical reasons behind the rejection of the project. “The panchayat body has already taken a decision to go in appeal. We will also add some technical points after consulting our lawyer,” he added.