MAPUSA
In a firm stand against commercial development, the villagers of Candolim have unanimously resolved not to grant permission for the construction of a five-star resort on the 3.23 lakh square metre Sinquerim Hill. The project, which the State government reportedly leased to a luxury resort developer, faced strong opposition from locals at a gram sabha meeting held over the weekend.
The proposed development site, located in survey number 96/0, is a densely forested area on a steep slope. Villagers expressed serious concerns about the environmental impact and the strain it would place on local resources. Anthony D’Souza, a resident, voiced fears that the project could lead to the area being reclassified as a commercial zone, potentially paving the way for more development.
One of the primary concerns raised by D’Souza and other locals was the strain on water and electricity. "The daily water supply and power required for such a project will be massive, and we are already struggling with irregular supply in the village," he said.
In addition to the resource issues, the potential for landslides was a major worry. D’Souza highlighted the risks posed by developing on the hillside, warning that construction could destabilize the soil.
"We fear a situation like Wayanad may occur, endangering the lives of residents living at the foot of the hill," he cautioned, referring to the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district.
Residents also emphasized that the hill serves as a natural reservoir, with springs that recharge the wells used by the villagers. They argued that large-scale construction would disrupt this natural process, leading to long-term water scarcity.
After a brief discussion, the gram sabha passed a unanimous resolution, directing the panchayat not to grant any permission, NOC, or construction licence to the resort developers.
The villagers are standing firm in their decision to protect Sinquerim Hill from what they see as a damaging and unsustainable project.
