Locals approach MMC seeking stop-work order
Residents of Dovondem–Fatorda, along with social activist Sohail Furtado, at the Margao Municipal Council demanding a stop-work notice on the mega housing project.
MARGAO
The anti-mega housing agitation seen across Goa has now reached Fatorda — the home turf of Goa Forward Party chief and MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Residents of Dovondem, an area known for its traditional pork sausage-making units, have strongly opposed a proposed mega housing project in the ward. Locals fear the development will bring a large number of outsiders into the area, which could change the ward’s social fabric and affect traditional occupations.
According to residents, the proposed project includes around 278 flats and apartments. They say such a large development could threaten the local culture and livelihoods, including activities such as pork sausage making, carpentry and cattle rearing.
Residents also pointed out that a similar proposal had been stopped more than a decade ago. In 2013, the promoter had allegedly proposed a smaller project with 78 flats, which was opposed by locals at the time. They are now questioning how the project has returned with a much larger number of units and under whose support it has been revived.
A group of residents, led by social activist Sohail Furtado, visited the Margao Municipal Council on Wednesday seeking clarification over the delay in providing information about the project under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Residents said their concerns have increased as construction work has reportedly begun without the mandatory project information board being displayed at the site.
They also alleged that both the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) and the Margao Municipal Council have failed to provide details of the project despite RTI requests.
Furtado said the delegation approached the civic body after receiving no response to their RTI application.
“Since the developer has not displayed the project board as required under Supreme Court directions, residents have asked the Chief Officer to issue a stop-work order. Even the SGPDA has not helped residents by providing details of the project,” he said.
Local resident Melvyn questioned whether the project could have progressed without the knowledge of the local MLA or the ward councillor.
“We are demanding that the project be stopped. If outsiders settle here in large numbers, they may object to traditional activities such as sausage making, carpentry and cattle rearing,” he said, adding that the project could threaten local livelihoods.
Another resident, Geeta Prabhu, raised similar concerns and asked whether such a large housing project could come up without the knowledge of elected representatives.
“If this project is not scrapped, local residents may one day become strangers in their own land,” she said.
