Residents demand removal of GI sheets, oppose 294-flat project fearing demographic change
Residents stopped by police from entering the MMC building. They were later seen confronting the MMC Chief Officer for the delay in removing the GI sheets from the mega housing project site. Pics: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
With a host of housing projects proposed in this Margao Municipal ward located at the northern entrance to the commercial capital, threatening demographic changes, agitated residents of Dovondem-Fatorda stormed the Margao Municipal building on Thursday morning.
The agitated residents, backed by social activists and citizens from Fatorda and other parts of Salcete, laid siege to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), protesting what they described as the civic body’s inaction in dismantling GI sheets erected by a real estate developer for a proposed 294-apartment housing project.
The project, coming up at the northern entrance to Margao, has sparked strong opposition from residents, who fear it will trigger significant demographic changes in the area.
The protest, which continued till noon, virtually blocked the entrance to the Municipal building as residents demanded immediate action from the civic authorities. Anticipating trouble, Margao police deployed a sizeable contingent outside the MMC office to prevent protesters from entering the building and meeting the Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar.
Carrying placards and banners, the protesters raised slogans as they marched on the streets towards the Municipal building, demanding that the proposed 294-apartment project be scrapped. They attempted to force their way into the Municipal building but were stopped by police personnel stationed at the entrance.
Margao Police Station in-charge, PI Arun Desai, rushed to the spot and held discussions with the protesters, who insisted that all of them be allowed to meet the Chief Officer. The police, however, rejected the demand, permitting only a 10-member delegation led by their legal counsel, Adv Seoula Vas, to enter the Municipal building.
During the meeting, the delegation accused the Chief Officer of repeatedly assuring residents that the GI sheets would be removed, but failing to follow through.
“This may be the fifth time in the last five months that residents of Dovondem have come to the Municipality seeking clarity from the Chief Officer on when the GI sheets will be removed. Every time, he assures us they will be removed in seven days or two days, but nothing happens,” resident Luke Fernandes told reporters.
He added, “Today, we have come to the MMC with our children and elders not to seek another date or another assurance, but to ensure that the Chief Officer removes the GI sheets. We will not leave the Municipal building unless the Chief Officer initiates action to remove them.”
Adv Vas expressed surprise over the attitude of the MMC Chief Officer, more so when the real estate developer in his reply has stated that the GI sheets were erected as per the 2008 construction licence which has lapsed long ago. “Why is the MMC not removing the GI sheets when the real estate developer has no construction licence," she wondered.
Locals turn heat on Vijai, seek answers on zoning changes
Residents of Donvodem march from their locality to the Margao Municipality with placards and banners opposing mega housing projects.
MARGAO: Agitated residents of Dovondem on Thursday also trained their guns on Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai over the series of large housing projects proposed in the ward, questioning who was responsible for the zoning changes that have paved the way for such developments.
The residents demanded to know how multiple high-density residential projects were being proposed in Dovondem when Sardesai is not only the local MLA but also a member of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA).
With folded hands, local resident Myron Crasto said the residents were prepared to personally show the MLA the locations of the proposed projects if he is unaware of these projects. “Every time a new project is proposed in Dovondem, the MLA has feigned ignorance. The residents are ready to show him exactly where these projects are coming up. We want him to oppose these developments and save the people of Dovondem from becoming a minority in their own land,” Crasto said.
Residents of Dovondem have been campaigning for several months against a proposed 294-apartment housing project in their neighbourhood, claiming that the large-scale development would significantly alter the area’s demographic profile and reduce local residents to a minority.
Echoing similar concerns, Adv Seoula Vas, alleged that large housing projects could dilute the electoral influence of the local population over time. “A conspiracy appears to have been hatched to reduce the influence of local voters in elections. When such large housing projects are proposed, these apartments will largely be purchased by outsiders because they are beyond the reach of local residents. Over time, the influence of local residents will gradually diminish in the elections with the emergence of new voters residing in these apartments,” Vas claimed.
Chopped coconut trees fuel Dovondem revolt
Photo of coconut trees chopped by a real estate builder to pave way for a mega housing project at Dovondem. MARGAO: What made the beleaguered residents of Dovondem to finally say “enough is enough” is when coconut trees were chopped by a real estate developer to make way for a second mega housing project in their locality.
The residents intensified their protest after claiming that inquiries had revealed plans for as many as five major housing projects in Dovondem, all benefiting from special zoning approvals and, according to them, promoted largely by developers from outside the locality.
Even as residents continue to oppose the proposed 294-apartment housing project, they said they were confronted with yet another large residential development in their neighbourhood after coconut trees were felled to clear the site for the new project. “We want to live peacefully in our ward. We do not want mega housing projects,” a resident said.
“Dovondem is known for its Goan sausages, and many local families depend on the traditional sausage-making business for their livelihood. The local MLA, Vijai Sardesai, had once proposed organising a ‘Sausage Festival’ in Dovondem to celebrate the culture and heritage of the people. Such celebrations will have little meaning if the local community and its traditional occupations gradually disappear because of these mega housing projects,” the resident added.
Residents maintain that large-scale residential developments threaten the area’s traditional character and have reiterated their demand that the proposed projects be reconsidered.
