Fatorda, Cuncolim developments trigger outrage; citizens, councillors flag strain on civic resources
MARGAO
A wave of large-scale housing development that has been reshaping Goa’s countryside is now making significant inroads into the urban pockets of Salcete taluka, triggering concern among residents and local authorities alike.
In the Fatorda municipal area under the Margao Municipal Council, a proposed 294-flat residential project at Dovondem has sparked protests, with anxious residents taking to the streets on Tuesday. Demonstrators gathered at the Council office demanding immediate intervention, alleging that the scale of the project is incompatible with existing infrastructure and could severely strain local resources.
Similar concerns have surfaced in Cuncolim, where a series of high-density housing and commercial developments have come under scrutiny. Among them are a 75-apartment project at Panzorconne and another 65-apartment residential complex with swimming pool facilities planned at Veroda. Residents have raised alarm over what they describe as “unprecedented” construction activity, fearing long-term impacts on water availability, traffic congestion, and the overall character of the area.
The issue has also reached the Cuncolim Municipal Council, where elected representatives, in what was the final meeting of the current five-year term, voiced serious reservations about the approvals granted to these projects. Some of the councillors called for a review of permissions and greater transparency in the approval process, reflecting mounting public pressure.
Dovondem locals confront MMC chief, give 2 days to act against 294-flat plan
Residents of Dovondem are seen confronting Margao Municipal Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar on the 294-apartment housing project. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO: Tensions escalated on Tuesday as agitated residents of Dovondem returned to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), seeking updates on their complaint against a proposed 294-apartment housing project in their neighbourhood.
With the municipality yet to provide information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and no site inspection conducted until then, residents confronted Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar in his chamber. They questioned why the civic body had not acted to halt the project or directed the developer to remove the tin-sheet barricades at the site. The residents issued a two-day ultimatum to the Chief Officer to initiate action against the development.
After hearing the delegation, Narvekar assured them that a team of municipal engineers would be deputed to carry out a site inspection and submit a factual report. Later in the day, a team led by Assistant Engineer Suhas Desai visited the site and is understood to have prepared a status report on the project.
Speaking to the media, residents, accompanied by Advocate Seoula Vas, reiterated their strong opposition to the project, vowing to continue their agitation until it is scrapped. Vas said the residents have filed a fresh application under Section 184 of the Goa Municipalities Act, urging the MMC to take action. She warned that if authorities fail to cooperate, residents are prepared to take to the streets.
Local resident Agnelo Fernandes demanded that the project be permanently scrapped, expressing concern that it could resurface in the future. He pointed out that an earlier proposal for an 85-flat project on the same site had been shelved following public objections, only to return now as a significantly larger 294-apartment development.
Residents also questioned Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai’s claim that he was unaware of the project, noting its proximity—just 500 metres—from his residence. Zico Fernandes further criticised the MLA, stating that as a member of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), he should have raised objections when the proposal came up for consideration. He also expressed scepticism over Sardesai’s assurances, citing past promises regarding the return of acquired agricultural land at Madel that remain unfulfilled.
Responding to the residents’ protest, Sardesai said he did not wish to engage in a confrontation with them. He maintained that he has already instructed the developer to halt work and assured that he would not allow the project to proceed.
Infra fears force Cuncolim council to act on projects; questions over past approvals
The meeting of the Cuncolim Municipal Council that discussed the mega housing projects in the town.
MARGAO: Concerns over large-scale housing developments dominated the meeting of the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC), with councillors warning that such projects could severely strain the town’s already limited infrastructure.
At the meeting chaired by Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas, perhaps the last meeting of the current five-year term, the Council adopted a resolution calling for the refusal to renew the construction licence for a proposed 75-apartment housing project at Panzorconne. In a similar move, the Council also resolved to revoke the construction licence granted for another major development – a 65-flat housing project with a swimming pool planned at Veroda.
Despite these resolutions, several councillors questioned how the civic body had approved construction licences for multiple large housing projects over the past five years. During the discussion, councillor John Dias raised concerns about the absence of a defined carrying capacity for the town, warning that such developments could overwhelm essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and road networks.
Adding to the controversy, some councillors informally claimed to possess audio recordings of conversations between developers and certain individuals, allegedly pointing to irregularities in the approval process.
Councillors representing the Panzorconne and Veroda wards strongly advocated for scrapping the projects, citing the potential negative impact on local residents.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Chairperson Mascarenhas confirmed the Council’s decision, stating that it would not renew the construction licence for the Panzorconne project and would move to revoke the licence for the Veroda development.
Responding to queries, he noted that the Council had previously rejected the Panzorconne project. However, the licence was later issued by the Chief Officer after the developer secured relief from the High Court.
