The Save Goa campaign received a major boost as 67 presidents of Communidades from across the state convened in Chinchinim and unanimously resolved to approach the Supreme Court against the Goa government's controversial decision to legalize houses built on Communidade land.
The move comes in response to mounting concerns among traditional land custodians and heritage activists, who view the state’s regularisation policy as a direct threat to Goa’s unique land ownership system, ecological balance, and cultural identity.
Leaders of the Communidades—a centuries-old institution managing community-owned land—expressed strong opposition to what they called a politically driven attempt to convert illegal encroachments into legal holdings.
“This is not just about land. It’s about preserving our heritage, our identity, and the very soul of Goa,” said one of the participating presidents. The group also alleged that the policy could encourage further illegal occupation of Communidade lands under the guise of political appeasement and vote-bank tactics.
The resolution passed at the Chinchinim meeting marks a significant step in the growing movement to safeguard Goa’s land rights and traditional systems. The collective plans to file a petition in the Supreme Court in the coming days, seeking to overturn the state government's decision.