Cuncolim, which is one of the historical villages of Goa, is slowly but steadily marching towards the status of a town.
In this rapid change and so called development, Cuncolkars are worried they may lose their age old identity. Cuncolim has changed drastically in the last 15/20 years. Once upon a time this village was known for agriculture and horticulture. Fields are now turning into concrete jungles. Illegal houses are mushrooming and mega housing projects are taking shape. Mountains have been levelled and agriculture land is being converted for construction of illegal building in broad daylight. Neither the municipal council nor the concerned authorities are interested in entertaining any complaint from the NGOs and other citizens. It’s like a free hand given to all those involved in such type of illegalities.
Due to the Cuncolim Industrial Estate and the National Institute of Technology, the value of land has skyrocketed not only in Cuncolim but also in the surrounding villages of Balli and Ambaulim. Presently there are four mega housing projects under construction beside the commercial projects. Over 500-odd rented rooms have been constructed in this small village in the last 15 years. There is also possibility of a Housing Board coming up in Cuncolim. The Central government is likely to have a housing complex for NIT staff and an also hostel facilities for students.
The population of Cuncolim at present is close to 20,000 and projected to shoot up to 30,000 in the next five years. Some years back former MLA Joaquim Alemao was supposed to draft a Master plan but that decision remained only on paper.
President of Cuncolim Citizen Action Committee Oscar Martins said that development is needed but not at the cost of their identity. “Our forefathers shed their blood for our mother land. We preserve our identity but due to rampant construction activities and the influx of migrants Cuncolim’s identity is at risk,” said Martins.
