On Thursday, some residents led by ward Panch Raymond De Sa called on Cortalim MLA and Environment Minister Alina Saldanha with over 100 signatories, opposing the rehabilitation of slum dwellers at Cortalim, which is expected on Friday.

Speaking to Herald, De Sa wondered how the dwellers could be shifted when there are basic necessities including toilets, potable water and provision for handling their garbage.

He said the collector’s order clearly stated that they (slum dwellers) would be rehabilitated until further orders which meant they could stay for months and even more.

“Even the panchayat was not informed of the shifting of the slum dwellers,” he said.

Some residents told Herald that Cortalim was already witnessing malaria and dengue cases in the village.

Cortalim Medical Officer, Dr Succour Quadros, said officially nothing had been communicated to him, except for a telephone call from Hospicio Medical Superintendent directing him to provide medical assistance to evacuees, if required.

When asked whether provisions have been made to rehabilitate them, Dr Quadros said he had not visited the place and that he would take up with the authorities if any requirement is required including from sanitation point of view.

“However, Cortalim is short listed among two other places. May be the authorities will drop Cortalim if logistics are found lacking to rehabilitate the evacuees,” Dr Quodros told Herald and added that he had also received a representation from the locals.

Efforts to contact local MLA Alina Saldanha proved futile as she was not answering her cell phone.