MAPUSA
Responding to villagers’ complaints, the Oxel panchayat has scheduled a site inspection for Saturday, May 18, to assess the road leading to a controversial multi-dwelling unit near the village’s heritage spring.
The inspection aims to verify the existence of a six-meter-wide road, as claimed by the developers.
In a notice addressed to Jai Santoshi Housing Pvt Ltd, the panchayat, led by Sarpanch Reshal Arporkar, cited a public interest complaint filed by B. Lobo and others.
The complaint urges the panchayat to revoke the construction license and issue a stop-work order for the project on survey number 51/24, citing potential irreversible environmental damage.
“The complainants have raised concerns that the road leading to the multi-dwelling project is not six meters wide, but only 3 to 4 meters. This discrepancy, if verified, could significantly impact the project’s legality and environmental impact,” the notice stated.
The notice further emphasised that the site inspection is being conducted under the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act 1994. It also requested the presence of the developer during the inspection, warning that the inspection would proceed in their absence if necessary.
In parallel, the panchayat has sought the involvement of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Senior Town Planner.
Both entities have been asked to inspect the site and provide a report on the road’s width to support further actions regarding the construction project.
The planned inspection follows a wave of opposition from the local community. Over 200 residents had previously written to the Oxel panchayat, demanding the revocation of the construction license and an immediate stop-work order for the project near the heritage spring.
Villagers argue that the development poses a significant threat to the local environment and the preservation of natural water bodies.
The outcome of the site inspection and subsequent reports from the PWD and Senior Town Planner will be crucial in determining the future of the multi-dwelling project.
The villagers remain hopeful that their concerns will be validated, leading to the protection of their natural resources and heritage sites.
