MARGAO
Residents of Maina on Wednesday forced the Curtorim panchayat to order an immediate halt to the construction of a multi-dwelling project with 25 flats and a swimming pool, intensifying their protest against the development. Led by former Curtorim Zilla Panchayat member Moreno Rebello, locals said the project was not for the benefit of villagers and would strain infrastructure and change the village’s demography.
The residents gathered at the Curtorim panchayat ghar and questioned sarpanch Joaquim Estebeiro over the continuation of work despite a stop-work order. Estebeiro said the developer had resumed construction after challenging the order. The residents argued that the panchayat had the authority to revoke the permission, and Rebello said the sarpanch later agreed to do so.
The residents and the sarpanch then visited the site, where the developer’s representative was directed to stop work and lock the gate. Rebello said the project was meant for outsiders, not Curtorkars.
