Valpoi
The Goa Government’s ‘Mhaje Ghar’ scheme is facing hurdles in Sattari taluka, where wildlife sanctuary boundaries and eco-sensitive zone regulations have left residents uncertain about their eligibility. Citizens have urged the government to clarify procedures and introduce suitable measures to ensure eligible households receive the benefits while complying with environmental laws.
According to Sattari Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar, 270 cases have been registered under the scheme, of which 68 remain pending at various stages.
Applications pending
Pending cases involve incomplete documentation, public notices, physical inspections, unpaid fees and other administrative formalities. Some applications cannot proceed until applicants fulfil these requirements, meaning all pending cases cannot be attributed solely to administrative delays.
Applicants may need to submit land ownership documents, survey records, building plans, land-use permissions and, where applicable, No Objection Certificates from concerned departments. They have been advised to contact the Deputy Collector’s Office to check their application status and complete outstanding formalities promptly.
Notices and inspections
Some cases await public notices to invite objections or suggestions, where required, while others need physical inspections to verify properties, existing structures, access and other relevant details. Further action can follow once these procedures are completed.
Environmental hurdles
Several parts of Sattari fall within wildlife sanctuaries, while certain lands are designated as eco-sensitive zones. Residents say the restrictions applicable to these areas have created uncertainty over eligibility and complicated access to scheme benefits.
Depending on the property’s location and nature, permissions may be required from the village panchayat, municipality, Town and Country Planning Department or other competent authorities. Residents have been advised to verify applicable restrictions and obtain necessary approvals before undertaking activities requiring statutory permission.
Special measures sought
Citizens have called for a reason-wise review of the 68 pending applications, clear instructions for applicants with incomplete documents or unpaid fees, and systematic action on cases awaiting notices and inspections.
They have also urged the government to coordinate with concerned departments and clarify eligibility criteria, documentation and approval procedures for houses in sanctuary areas and eco-sensitive zones.
Residents say appropriate guidelines and policy decisions, within the framework of applicable laws, are necessary to address Sattari’s geographical and environmental constraints and ensure eligible households receive the scheme’s intended benefits.
