CHANDOR: Chandor-Cavorim Sarpanch Estefanio Dias has agreed to present the proposed mega project in the village for discussion at the next gram sabha following a memorandum submitted by Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott (GBE). The memorandum, signed by around 300 villagers, was handed over by a crowd of approximately 30 people objecting to the project.
GBE members emphasised that a decade ago, the gram sabha had resolved that no mega project should be allowed in the village without prior discussion at the gram sabha. Felix Furtado from Cavorim highlighted concerns that the project, initially seeking permission for 28 villas, may eventually expand to nearly 100 villas, potentially altering the village’s demographics and overwhelming its infrastructure.
Furtado noted that the increased population would strain the village’s water and power supply and congest the roads due to increased traffic. GBE member Francis alias Hanchik Peixoto from Guirdolim asserted that the project was a matter of concern for all of Goa, emphasising the need for a united front against projects that do not benefit local residents. Peixoto pointed out that each villa, priced at Rs two crore, would be unaffordable for Chandor or Goan residents, suggesting that the villas were intended for wealthy non-Goans. He expressed concerns that an influx of people from North India would jeopardise the village’s culture and heritage.
Sarpanch Dias stated that the project had received approval from the Town & Country Planning Department, which led the panchayat to issue the construction licence. However, he assured that the project would be discussed at the upcoming gram sabha in response to public demand.
The crowd also called for the immediate revocation of the construction license, though the panchayat indicated that this would require further study.
