Access Road and Setback Issues
According to the complaint, the developers were given approvals despite the absence of a mandatory six-metre-wide access road. The residents also allege that setback rules are being violated.
Speaking at the protest, local resident Liberata Madeira said the issue was raised earlier in the Gram Sabha and that a written complaint with around 100 signatures had already been submitted to the panchayat. “We raised this issue in the Gram Sabha and gave a complaint asking for the project to be stopped as rules have not been followed. We collected around 100 signatures, but no action was taken. An inspection was planned by the panchayat, but TCP and Health Department officials did not attend. We also met MLA Kedar Naik, who said he would take it up with TCP, but nothing has happened so far. We are now asking the authorities to act,” she said.
Another resident, Dominic Fernandes, said the project does not meet road width requirements for a ground-plus-four structure. “Residents are opposed to the project, but some panchayat members are supporting it. A ground-plus-four building needs a six-metre access road, but only a four-and-a-half-metre road exists. We have submitted complaints to several departments, but no action has been taken. There are many illegal constructions in the panchayat, and people are left wondering what they can do when authorities do not act,” he said.
Infrastructure Strain Concerns
Resident Pradeep Padgaonkar also questioned whether local infrastructure can handle such large projects.
“Saligao already faces frequent power cuts, sometimes lasting over an hour. If such large projects come up, where will the water and electricity come from? Residents in Arradi and Orda are already facing issues due to the garbage treatment plant,” he said.
The residents have called for an immediate joint inspection and have urged authorities to stop construction until the alleged violations are investigated.
