CUNCOLIM: Prominent citizens of Cuncolim have threatened to oppose, tooth and nail, a proposed Central government housing project in their town under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna.
“We will oppose this unwanted project, tooth and nail, and will come out on street if the government tries to impose it on Cuncolim,” they have warned.
It is learnt that the Goa Ministry of Urban Development, with funding from Central government under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, has proposed to build a mega housing project near Cuncolim Industrial Estate on a private land.
The project would be built on public-private-partnership basis, wherein a builder would build more than 2600 flats for the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna scheme. The builder would construct 1500 2BHK flats and 1000-odd single BHK flats on a land which is more than one lakh sq mts.
The builder will provide these houses to those who apply for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna scheme. Single BHK flats would cost Rs 10 lakh while 2BHK flats would cost Rs 16 lakh. The government will provide subsidy to the beneficiaries.
In fact, a handful of people from Cuncolim have also applied for this scheme.
Cuncolim locals were not aware of the project until it was disclosed to them by AAP members. On learning of the project, the locals are up in arms to oppose it.
Former municipal deputy chairperson Shashank Desai and ward councillor Succorina Coutinho told media that they were shocked to know about the mega project.
“We are already facing difficulties. People are dying because of industrial pollution and garbage. Adding to this, the government wants to build a mega project here. We will not tolerate this mess. We warn the government not to play with the sentiments of Cuncolkars or else they will be forced to bear the consequences,” Desai and Coutinho said.
Aam Admi Party Convenor and son of the soil Elvis Gomes has already written to the authorities notifying his objection.
When contacted Municipal Chairperson Lavita Mascarenhas for details, she said the project is in preliminary stage.
“The Council has not got concrete proposal on the project, but we have been told by the DMA that they have a proposal to built houses on private land near Cuncolim Industrial Estate,” she said adding, “I don’t know the details of the project. When the proposal comes before us, we will take a decision. If people are against the project, we will not issue NOC and will be with the people of Cuncolim.”
