Team Herald
PERNEM: A storm has erupted in Mandrem after the local panchayat approved proposals for the development of 90 luxury beachside villas, igniting opposition among villagers and raising eyebrows over an apparent shift in stance by local MLA Jit Arolkar.
The approvals, granted during a recent ordinary panchayat meeting, pertain to two substantial real estate projects and have sparked fierce criticism over potential violations of land use policy, zoning regulations, and water availability norms.
The controversy deepens as villagers point to MLA Arolkar’s earlier public opposition to land conversions in non-development zones. The panchayat, dominated by his supporters, nonetheless cleared the projects, prompting allegations of a political U-turn.
Official sources confirm that one of the proposals is by Raigo Homes Pvt Ltd, which seeks to build villas, a swimming pool, and a boundary wall on land listed under Survey No. 365/2(A). The parcel reportedly includes areas zoned for settlement, orchard use, and non-development.
The second project, submitted by Mahasir Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, pertains to Survey Nos. 211/2(P) and 210/1-A(P), and similarly includes plans for villas and pools. Both proposed sites are situated within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), raising serious concerns regarding the Town and Country Planning Department’s decision to issue technical clearances.
Tensions are exacerbated by recent history. In October 2024, MLA Arolkar had formally urged the Pernem Deputy Collector to halt new construction in the Mandrem constituency until the completion of a proposed 30 MLD water supply scheme, citing severe strain on the taluka’s drinking water resources. This had led the Deputy Collector to advise all panchayat secretaries to refrain from issuing new construction licences.
However, the latest approvals appear to flout these instructions, fuelling speculation that political pressure may have influenced the panchayat’s decisions.
Public anger reached a tipping point following the panchayat’s approval of the villa projects on April 17, a move which locals say breaches an earlier gram sabha resolution prohibiting new construction without community consent.
Advocate Prasad Shahapurkar stated that a delegation of concerned villagers intends to confront the sarpanch and panchayat secretary on Saturday, April 19 at 12.30 pm at the Mandrem panchayat office. The group aims to obtain official documents, including survey details, terrain classifications (such as hilly, agricultural, or residential land), and the reasoning behind the controversial approvals.
Vinayak Chari, a village representative, added, “If people from Delhi are coming here to illegally level our hills and build villas, we will stop them. It is our responsibility to protect our land for future generations.”