Residents raise concerns over transparency, water scarcity and overdevelopment
MAPUSA
Residents of Saligao on Sunday raised strong objections to a proposed residential project comprising 24 units with swimming pools in the Bairo Alto ward, during a Gram Sabha marked by heated exchanges and questions over transparency.
Villagers questioned how such a project received approval, with several expressing concern over the scale and nature of development in a village already grappling with infrastructure stress.
“We do not want Delhi-type developments in our wards,” said local resident Jasmine Fernandes, voicing fears of overdevelopment and its impact on Saligao’s character.
The concerns were further amplified by residents who pointed to existing water scarcity in the village. Libby Madeira, a resident and member of the Village Development Committee (VDC) and Biodiversity Committee, said that projects of this nature were unacceptable given the current resource constraints.
She also urged the panchayat to ensure accountability and maintain transparency in decision-making. However, the discussion took a contentious turn when ward member Ashwini Kerkar, in whose ward the project is proposed, appeared to defend the development.
Instead of providing clear answers, she questioned the villagers’ right to seek details about the project and engaged in arguments with those raising concerns. Her responses, residents alleged, were marked by an aggressive tone and inappropriate language, further escalating tensions in the meeting.
Madeira reiterated that as a resident actively involved in local governance issues, she had every right to question decisions affecting the village.
Other villagers echoed similar sentiments, insisting that public consultation and clarity were essential before allowing such projects to proceed.
Amid the growing disquiet, Sarpanch Lucas Remedios assured the gram sabha that the panchayat would take up the matter with the Town and Country Planning Department and seek necessary clarifications. He said a formal communication would be sent to the authorities and appropriate action would follow based on their response.
Separately, residents also flagged the issue of alleged illegal field filling for road construction at Nig Vaddo in Arrarim, Saligao.
The work, reportedly completed within a single day, has come under scrutiny, with villagers questioning whether due permissions were obtained.
