With each passing day of official inaction, residents of Taleigao are growing more alarmed. More than twenty days after formal complaints were filed, the Goa government is facing mounting criticism from concerned citizens over its failure to intervene in the illegal landfilling of ecologically sensitive paddy fields in the area. Cecille Rodrigues, Francis Coelho, and Nathan Dsouza have publicly condemned the authorities, accusing them of willful negligence and possible complicity in the destruction of farmland located at Survey No. 186, just behind St. Michael’s Church. Despite clear photographic and documentary evidence of unauthorized dumping, no action has been taken by key state bodies, including the Revenue and Agriculture Departments. Even more troubling is the alleged involvement of a local Panchayat member in facilitating the activity, raising serious questions about bureaucratic collusion and a systemic disregard for the law.
Moreover, the core issue is the illegal conversion of agricultural land, a direct violation of state legislation and an affront to the persistent efforts of environmental groups and local farmers striving to preserve Goa’s green cover. The affected paddy fields fall under Communidade lands, a protected system of communal ownership unique to Goa, where selling, transferring, or converting land for non-agricultural use is explicitly prohibited.
The controversy gained more attention when it was revealed that the disputed plot is linked to the son of Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate through a questionable 1999 sale deed, raising serious concerns about nepotism, fraudulent land dealings, and possible manipulation of zoning regulations.
Environmental activists and local residents are now demanding immediate action, a complete halt to all illegal landfilling, criminal prosecution of those involved, including public officials, and full ecological restoration of the site. They have also issued a stern warning to the BJP-led state government, threatening intensified legal action and mass public mobilization if authorities continue to remain passive.