Written petition handed to p'yat; Sarpanch rejects demand, cites legal constraints
VILLAGE FIGHTS FOR ITS IDENTITY: A local voices concern over irregular licences granted to mega projects in the village during the gram sabha on Sunday, as Sarpanch Sagar Naik and panchayat members look on.
MAPUSA
Concerned about the rapid and unregulated construction activity in their village, residents of Moira on Sunday demanded a complete ban on mega housing projects – particularly large villas with swimming pools – citing strain on local resources and threats to the village’s identity.
However, the demand was turned down by the village sarpanch, who stated that such a move was not legally permissible.
In a written petition submitted to the Moira panchayat and signed by around 25 villagers, the locals expressed strong opposition to what they called the “destruction” of the village through unchecked construction.
“Moira is saturated with too many housing projects, leading to a complete drain on our limited resources such as electricity and water. Only single-dwelling units for local residents must be allowed,” the petition stated.
Residents urged the sarpanch and the government to act in the interest of the village and prevent unsustainable development.
“We urge the government to honour its commitment and protect our village,” said the petitioners.
Local resident Oscar Lobo highlighted the on-ground impact of ongoing construction, citing an incident where trucks dumped gravel and mud in front of his house, restricting movement. Another resident, Florence Mendes, recalled how an earlier proposal for multiple villas with private pools had been resisted by villagers, eventually resulting in only one villa being sanctioned at the time.
Although several villagers supported the idea of passing a formal resolution against mega projects, the motion was not allowed by the panchayat.
Sarpanch Sagar Naik explained that the panchayat did not have the authority to unilaterally halt construction projects, as doing so would violate existing laws.
In addition to construction concerns, villagers also raised issues related to basic infrastructure. Mendes pointed out that residents are being supplied with muddy water by the PWD and frequently face power fluctuations that damage household appliances.
The deteriorating condition of village roads – riddled with potholes and caved-in sections –was another key concern raised during the meeting.
On the matter of plastic pollution, the sarpanch informed that the panchayat intends to revive the initiative of distributing cloth bags, and a letter regarding the same has already been forwarded to the local MLA.
Addressing concerns about the sale of gutka near educational institutions, the sarpanch assured the villagers that the panchayat will write to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to take necessary action.
