The Goa Congress has sharply criticized the state government for allegedly favoring real estate developers by approving the construction of 64 luxury villas in Reis Magos, even as local residents continue to face an acute water crisis. The party questioned the rationale behind granting such large-scale project clearances when the basic needs of the existing population remain unmet.
At the center of the controversy are high-end developments like DLF Villas Reis Magos and Una Savaaya, which promise fully furnished, ultra-luxury homes complete with modern amenities such as clubhouses, private pools, and landscaped gardens. The DLF project alone features over 60 villas priced in the multi-crore range, catering to an elite clientele of investors and affluent buyers.
The Congress party has raised concerns not just about the strain these projects may place on the region’s limited water supply, but also about their ecological impact. Party leaders allege that large-scale tree felling and land alterations are being carried out to make way for these gated enclaves, threatening the natural landscape of a village known for its serenity and scenic beauty.
While developers promote their projects as “green” and “sustainably designed,” Congress leaders argue that these claims often mask the real consequences—resource overuse, infrastructure pressure, and irreversible environmental degradation. They have also criticized the speed at which many of these developments have received RERA approvals, suggesting a lack of proper scrutiny in the planning and clearance process.
With construction advancing rapidly and sales pitches targeting high-net-worth individuals, the Congress’s objections have reignited a broader debate about urban planning priorities in Goa. The party is now calling for tighter oversight of real estate approvals, especially in ecologically sensitive and resource-stressed areas like Reis Magos.