Plan cleared despite past revocation of technical approval in 2023
The Panzorconni hillock in Cuncolim, where a proposed development has triggered fresh opposition.
MARGAO
A storm is brewing in Cuncolim over the decision of the Town and Country Planning department to permit development atop the Panzorconni hillock by reinstating the technical clearance, which was withdrawn in 2023.
Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane opposing development at the hillock, stating it will destroy it as well as the environment. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of Technical Clearances and other permissions issued for the development.
Asked to outline the steps he intends to take to force the government to reconsider the decision, Alemao shot back, “The TCP will soon come to know the power of the people of Cuncolim”.
The MLA pointed out that the Cuncolim locals had raised objections against the project earlier and, after listening to their concerns, the technical clearance was revoked. He slammed the government for giving the nod to the development by ignoring the illegalities and the people’s concerns.
“Earlier, while revoking the Technical Clearance issued to this project, the Deputy Town Planner had stated in the order that he had carefully perused the contents of the complaints, representations from NGOs, individuals and authorities informing about the violations carried out at the site, and the reply as well as written submission of the petition,” Alemao said.
“TCP had also mentioned in the records available that illegal hill cutting activity and drilling of rocks were carried out by the developer petitioners on the property bearing. But despite this, the department had been given permissions again,” he said.
Saying that it is shocking to note that the Deputy Town Planner issued this "order of withdrawal of revocation and reinstatement of Technical Clearance" on the basis of mere submissions made by the applicant and by ignoring its order on illegal hill cutting and drilling of rocks at the site, Alemao said that this itself makes it clear that TCP is "hand in glove with the applicant to destroy the hill and environment of Cuncolim".
He said that such a large-scale project raises serious concerns regarding the carrying capacity of local resources, particularly water availability.
“A project of this magnitude will place unsustainable pressure on these resources, potentially leading to severe shortages for the local population. Additionally, the project may have adverse impacts on the environment, including loss of green cover, strain on waste management systems, and increased traffic congestion,” he said.
