Oxel locals rally against housing projects threatening springs

Nestled within lush vegetation, a heritage spring glistens amidst the serene village of Oxel in Siolim

MAPUSA

The tranquil village of Oxel is embroiled in a fervent battle to preserve its ecological sanctity as villagers unite in opposition against multi-dwelling housing projects which threaten to encroach upon its cherished heritage springs and pristine environment.

In a resolute plea addressed to the Oxel Panchayat, concerned villagers underscored the dire consequences of permitting large-scale construction within their midst.

Central to their apprehensions is the imminent threat posed to Oxel's seven government-notified heritage springs, revered for their mineral-rich waters essential for drinking and cooking purposes.

Highlighting the grave repercussions of unfettered development, villagers raised alarm over the potential depletion of groundwater reserves and soil erosion resulting from extensive tree felling within the catchment area of these vital springs.

Furthermore, the construction of oversized septic tanks within these projects looms ominously, posing a dual menace of groundwater contamination and disruption to spring water flow.

Adding weight to their grievances, villagers pointed out glaring violations of regulatory norms, particularly concerning road width requirements stipulated by the Goa Land Development Building Construction Regulation 2010.

With existing road widths falling significantly short of mandated standards, concerns mount over the accessibility and safety of burgeoning housing developments.

In a bid to fortify their stance, over 200 villagers urged the panchayat to engage the expertise of hydrologists and specialists from the Goa State Wetland Authority and Water Resources Department.

Their objective: to demarcate and safeguard the catchment areas of Oxel's invaluable springs, shielding them from the encroaching spectre of construction.

The spectre of environmental degradation is compounded by fears of exacerbating water scarcity, exacerbated by the strain on the already beleaguered PWD water supply infrastructure. With individual swimming pools poised to further burden water resources, the sustainability of essential services hangs precariously in the balance.

Moreover, the looming influx of residents portends socio-cultural upheaval, threatening to disrupt the delicate fabric of Oxel's close-knit community. Villagers fear the erosion of traditional values and the upheaval of long-standing demographic patterns should construction projects proceed unchecked.

This collective outcry follows previous efforts, including a protest and awareness campaign organised by villagers in collaboration with the Green Goa Brigade near the imperiled springs.

As tensions escalate and stakes rise, Oxel's battle for environmental preservation stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle to balance development aspirations with the imperative of safeguarding natural heritage.