THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Villagers from Calangute and Candolim are protesting against what they claim is illegal construction on Sinquerim Hill, an ecologically sensitive area. Organised by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), they allege that the development violates multiple environmental and heritage laws. The site is within Coastal Regulation Zone-1A (CRZ-1A) and close to the Aguada Fort, an archaeological site protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
CCF President Premanand Diukar has filed complaints with the Candolim Panchayat, Town and Country Planning Department (TCP), Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Archaeological Survey of India, and other relevant authorities. He argues that the construction, located within 100 meters of the Fort’s boundary, breaches legal restrictions. Diukar also pointed out the absence of a mandatory project information board and necessary permissions.
Resident Lourenco Silveira noted that Sinquerim Hill is a biodiversity hotspot with medicinal plants and is designated as a no-development zone. He fears that ongoing construction will destroy the hill and limit public access.
The CCF asserts that the project has already caused significant ecological damage and has called for immediate intervention to stop further violations and protect the area’s environmental and heritage values.
