Despite the High Court dismissing a PIL against a mega housing project, the Betqui–Candola gram sabha on Sunday witnessed intense opposition to the project, with villagers unanimously passing a resolution demanding that it be scrapped.
The meeting, chaired by Sarpanch Dilip Naik, ran for nearly three hours and saw turnout far exceeding the capacity of the small hall, forcing many to stand outside.
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Villagers, citing acute water scarcity, power fluctuations and lack of road infrastructure, said the area has no carrying capacity for a mega project. They argued that under court conditions, the panchayat cannot issue licences without first ascertaining availability of water, power and road infrastructure.
Naik said the panchayat would stand firmly with villagers, adding that its focus remains on providing basic amenities and overall village development. He assured that no new mega projects would be permitted in the future, noting that existing projects have already created garbage and other problems.
Residents pointed out that the earlier licence issued to the project had lapsed after three years and urged the panchayat not to entertain any fresh application, given the ongoing water and power crisis. Many said they were already spending sleepless nights collecting water.
Villagers recalled that they have been opposing the project since 2012 and that promises of additional water and electricity infrastructure made at the time of approvals were never fulfilled. Deputy sarpanch Shradha Fadte said she would personally stand with villagers and strongly oppose the project in her ward.
Senior citizen and Biodiversity Committee member Madu Gaonkar warned that the project would cause grave injustice, destroy biodiversity, and worsen conditions for residents at the foothills, citing lack of road access and concerns over sewage drainage. He said that the panchayat should write to the government asking it to revoke all NOCs, alleging some were bogus.
Villagers reiterated that the proposed project—envisaging about 885 units and adding an estimated 4,500 people—would destroy the village’s character and threaten surrounding areas including Devalay, Kuiwada and Jaidwada. They demanded withdrawal of all permits and NOCs granted to the project, which was again opposed despite the recent High Court order allowing construction subject to compliance with rules.
