PANAJI: Villagers from Carambolim, accompanied by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and RGP Chief Manoj Parab, staged a protest at the Panaji Town and Country Planning (TCP) office against a controversial mega project in the village.
The protesters raised concerns over the 84 flats, 46 shops, and a swimming pool being constructed on land with a 3 to 4-meter existing road, while permissions were issued for a 15-meter proposed road. They also highlighted the project’s proximity to a Hindu crematorium and a 3, 45 MLD water shortage, stressing that these issues pose serious risks to public safety and local infrastructure. Despite objections from the Village Panchayat and Gram Sabha, the project received provisional approvals.
MLA Viresh Borkar said, “The block administration, Panchayat, and even the Deputy Sarpanch opposed this. But the administration and builder lobby bypass local concerns. People’s livelihoods and local businesses are being sidelined, yet the project moves forward despite protests and inspections.” He further accused the TCP department of procedural lapses, noting that stop-work and show-cause notices were issued, but the Pollution Control Board gave a green signal, allowing construction to continue.
A Panchayat member said, “On July 27, 2025, villagers pressured the Panchayat to stop the project. On July 30, we issued a Stop Work order and a Show Cause Notice. Yet three site inspection notices were issued by careless TCP officers without proper follow-up. Appeals are filed, but the system is so corrupt that the project keeps advancing.”
Villagers also voiced frustration over the project’s impact on daily life. One resident said, “We get water only at 9.30 pm. Garbage is dumped by migrant labor, and roads are all being neglected. This mega project disrupts our lives, yet the government gives the builder full support.”
RGP Chief Manoj Parab alleged collusion between the BJP government and land mafia. “TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane and CM Pramod Sawant protect officials with police. The lobby controls everything. Permissions are granted for projects violating department circulars and High Court orders. This is not just mismanagement, it is deliberate negligence,” he said. Parab pointed out that inspection reports showing narrow roads and inadequate water supply were ignored while project approvals continued.
The TCP department has yet to respond to the villagers’ demands or provide clarity on the ongoing project.
