MAPUSA
Angry residents of Rai in Siolim-Marna came down heavily on the local panchayat during a heated meeting over the granting of a construction licence to a large project “ reportedly involving villas with swimming pools “ on a narrow 3-metre-wide road, violating planning norms that require a minimum 6-metre access.
Villagers accused the panchayat of ignoring due process and slammed ward member Sharmila Vernekar for remaining a “silent spectator” in the matter. Vernekar, however, defended her position, stating she had already raised a complaint with the Department of Panchayats (DoP) and that the matter is currently sub judice.
Residents were particularly incensed that a licence was issued despite a resolution passed at last year’s gram sabha, which made it mandatory for the panchayat to keep any file received from the TCP (Town and Country Planning Department) for 30 days, conduct a detailed site inspection and submit a report back to the TCP highlighting any irregularities. The inspection was meant to verify road width, parking provision, setback violations and zoning compliance.
Local resident Joachim Barros reminded the panchayat of this resolution and questioned why it was not followed in this case.
“Why was a construction licence granted for a project on a 3-metre road? This goes against what was unanimously agreed upon in the gram sabha,” Barros said, adding that any violations should have been reported to the BDO, DoP and TCP for appropriate action.
Panchayat members were left fumbling for answers as more residents joined the criticism.
Amrut Agarwadekar questioned the issuance of another licence for a project on Survey No 84/5-C, demanding accountability and transparency in the process.
Concerns over road development were also raised, with resident Fatima Fernandes questioning if panchayat members were aware of road widening works from Mapusa Ganeshpuri to Siolim-Marna.
She further urged that the proposed 25-metre wide district road from St Anthony’s Church to Siolim-Marna “ already approved by the gram sabha “ should not be implemented without wider consultation.
Environmental issues also surfaced during the meeting.
Agarwadekar flagged illegal sand mining near the Tar ferry ramp, prompting Sarpanch Amit Moraskar to assure villagers that he would write to the coastal police seeking action. Separately, Udesh Pangam raised the issue of water scarcity in Vaddi-Siolim, demanding urgent steps to improve supply.
