CANACONA
Reacting to allegations against the residential project ‘Shiv Residency’ at Delem–Canacona, the land owner and builder came out together to explain the legality, environmental aspects and benefits to the village economy in connection with the serviced apartments/green project.
Addressing a news conference, the land owner Praveen Gaonkar stated that about a dozen people led by a former Canacona councillor have alleged that the project is illegal, does not have a 15 mtr wide road and would bring hundreds of outsiders into the area thereby outnumbering locals.
The former councillor is also alleged to have warned that villagers would block the national highway in protest, if the project was not scrapped.
Gaonkar informed that the project is a green and environmental friendly which will house service apartments, to be occupied by people on a temporary basis.
“So, there’s no question of these residents to become voters of the village or outnumbering the local residents. The project will not depend on the public water supply and will have its own electricity transformer. It is designed as an environmentally friendly project with extensive tree plantation, solar street lighting, and rainwater harvesting,” said Gaonkar.
“It will generate employment and business opportunities for locals, assisting to improve village economy, besides having several social and community development initiatives planned for the benefit of villagers.”
Rajesh Tarcar of Rajdeep Builders said the approach road is an essential part of the project.
“It is planned to be 15 metres wide, with a 7.5-metre setback as directed by the TCP department. It had been approved by the TCP department and PWD as per RP-2021,” said Tarcar.
“The project has received all the required approvals from the competent government authorities. The approved FAR is as per the applicable rules. No extra FAR has been taken, and no land-use zones have been changed. This is not a residential project for permanent residents. It is a serviced apartment project. Similar and even larger projects already exist in other parts of Canacona.”
“The claim that the project consists of 150 flats is factually incorrect including another claim that people from Delhi, Rajasthan, or other states will come and spoil the village is completely false and without any factual basis.”
Gaonkar added that three individuals including the former councillor had challenged the project before various authorities, including the Deputy Collector's Office and the Municipal Council, but did not succeed.
“But they have continued to spread misleading information about the project, instead of discussing the approved documents and facts,” said Gaonkar.
“We appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony. Calls to block the National Highway or organise protests that disrupt public life are unnecessary and not in the interest of the village,” he added.
