PANAJI
The State government’s move to revive plans to declare several villages as urban areas has triggered protests from locals, who fear loss of rural identity and autonomy. The proposal, aborted in 2020 after strong opposition, resurfaced recently when Taleigao panchayat sought recognition as a Census Town.
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate clarified on Friday that no village will be declared urban without consultation.
“In 2020, certain areas were notified as urban and later withdrawn. Taleigao panchayat represented that it met the criteria for a Census Town. The matter was examined and notified accordingly,” Monserrate said.
Monserrate added that since the government had earlier considered the issue, it was now appropriate to seek views of other panchayats that were once notified.
“The Directorate of Panchayats has been asked to obtain comments and views of the respective village panchayats,” he said.
The minister also assured that any decision will reflect consensus.
“The government shall take an appropriate decision only after due consultation with the concerned panchayats and upon considering their views, so as to ensure that any decision reflects the aspirations of the affected villages,” he said.
The clarification comes amid rising anger in several villages, where residents and political representatives have raised a hue and cry over the sudden revival of the plan.
Many argue that urban status would burden them with higher taxes, unsuitable building norms and loss of traditional governance structures. The issue has reignited memories of the 2020 protests, when villagers forced the government to roll back the notification. With Taleigao’s request now opening the door again, the debate over urbanisation versus preservation of village character is likely to intensify.
