Say that unchecked development has already left agricultural fields inundated with sewage water
Farmers complain that agricultural lands situated below elevated construction zones are continuously receiving sewage discharge from existing complexes, making cultivation nearly impossible.
VASCO
Farmers and residents of Bellem, Velsao on Sunday strongly opposed proposed mega residential projects in Sancoale, alleging that unchecked development has already left agricultural fields inundated with sewage water and further construction could irreversibly damage the village ecosystem.
Raising serious concerns, members of the farming community said that agricultural lands situated below elevated construction zones are continuously receiving sewage discharge from existing complexes, making cultivation nearly impossible and posing health risks to farmers.
Social worker and president of Pale Tollem Xetkaranche Association, Roquezinho Dsouza, said farmers have been grappling with worsening conditions over the past few years.
“Our fields were never flooded in the month of May earlier, but now they remain filled with sewage water almost throughout the year due to runoff from mega complexes situated on higher ground. Farmers entering the fields are developing skin boils, and many have now stopped cultivation altogether,” he said.
He further alleged that upcoming projects have already begun altering the landscape. “Developers have fenced large areas with corrugated sheets, blocked traditional access routes and even restricted entry to the Holy Cross where locals offer prayers. This is not just development—it is an attack on our way of life,” Dsouza said.
According to Dsouza, objections were earlier raised with MLA Anton Vaz, following which the project did not receive approval from the Sancoale Panchayat. However, with the panchayat currently without an elected body, there are fears that permissions may be granted by the administrator.
“We appeal to the Sancoale Panchayat not to grant any approvals. If even one residential complex has caused such damage, one can imagine the impact of hundreds of proposed villas. If permissions are granted, we will be forced to launch a mass agitation and march to the panchayat,” he warned.
He also alleged that the land in question was originally granted to Zuari Industries by local ancestors for industrial purposes and employment generation, but is now being diverted for real estate development.
“This land was given in good faith, but is now being sold to builders who are destroying our fields and threatening the very existence of our village,” he added.
Former Sancoale ZP member Mariano Rodrigues also backed the villagers’ concerns, stating that the issue goes beyond development and touches upon environmental and livelihood security.
“This is not merely a local grievance but a serious environmental and public health concern. The continuous discharge of sewage into agricultural lands has already pushed farmers to the brink, and if large-scale housing projects are permitted without a proper drainage and waste management system, the damage will be irreversible. Authorities must first resolve the existing issues before even considering new permissions. Ignoring these concerns will only trigger strong public protests and long-term consequences for the entire village,” Rodrigues said.
Villagers have urged authorities to prioritise environmental protection and traditional livelihoods over commercial interests, warning that any move to clear the projects without addressing their grievances will be met with stiff resistance.
