MAPUSA
Residents of Revora voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of mega projects and swimming pool constructions in their village, citing the acute shortage of electricity and water infrastructure.
During a gram sabha meeting held on Sunday, villagers criticised the village panchayat for granting permissions to large-scale developments despite the community’s ongoing struggles with basic utilities.
“In our area, there is only one transformer, but the number of houses has increased manyfold. The transformer frequently trips, causing major inconvenience,” a local resident said, questioning how the panchayat could allow mega projects without upgrading essential infrastructure.
Several villagers also raised concerns about land plots being rapidly demarcated and sold for construction, while the panchayat continues to issue permissions “right, left, and centre” without corresponding improvements to power and water facilities.
Locals demanded that henceforth, any proposal for a mega project must first be discussed in the gram sabha, and permissions should be granted only if the community consents.
Opposition was also expressed toward granting permissions for swimming pools, particularly to non-Goans. “When there is already a shortage of water, the panchayat should avoid issuing licences for swimming pool projects unless they are requested by local residents,” a villager stated.
Additionally, villagers urged the panchayat to act against individuals who obtain construction licences for residential purposes but later convert the properties into commercial ventures without proper approvals.
Responding to the grievances, Revora Sarpanch Vijayata Phadte acknowledged the residents’ concerns. She explained that the panchayat is compelled to issue permissions once the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department grants licences, but assured that, moving forward, villagers would be taken into confidence before approving any major projects.
Phadte also admitted that power fluctuations were a serious issue affecting the entire village and pledged to take up the matter with the electricity department.
