Panchayat rejects proposal, Secretary issues licence under BDO directive
The special meeting conveyed by Navelim Panchayat to discuss on the BDO memorandum directing the Panchayat secretary to issue construction licence for a housing project.
MARGAO
Tensions escalated in Navelim village on Monday following fresh developments surrounding a controversial housing project at Ratwaddo, with residents opposing the proposal and the Panchayat leadership vowing support—only for a construction licence to be issued hours later by the Panchayat Secretary.
At a special meeting convened earlier in the day, the Navelim Panchayat resolved not to grant permission for the project, which includes 16 flats and a couple of villas. The decision aligned with strong objections raised by local residents and earlier opposition expressed at the gram sabha.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn by evening when the Panchayat Secretary issued the construction licence, citing a memorandum from the Salcete Block Development Officer (BDO), Adarsh Desai, which reportedly carried a three-day ultimatum to approve the project.
Confirming the development, Sarpanch Paul Pereira said the licence was granted despite the Panchayat body’s resolution and public opposition. “When I questioned the Panchayat Secretary, he stated that he was acting on the BDO’s memorandum directing him to issue the licence within a stipulated timeframe,” Pereira said.
The move has triggered a fresh confrontation within the Panchayat, with the elected body now preparing to challenge the decision legally. The Sarpanch indicated that the matter would be placed before the Panchayat in an upcoming meeting to determine the next course of action.
“We will deliberate on the issue and take an appropriate decision to challenge the Secretary’s order before the competent authority,” Pereira added.
The development has further intensified unrest among Ratwaddo residents, who remain firm in their opposition to the project.
