A migrant basti established around two years ago in Shirvoi, under the jurisdiction of Xeldem Panchayat, has sparked controversy over its unauthorized development on government land belonging to the Water Resources Department. Despite lacking any formal approvals or documentation, the settlement has been equipped with basic facilities including electricity, water supply, and toilets.
The settlement reportedly houses migrant workers engaged in pipeline-related work in the area. Investigations have revealed that water is being supplied continuously through an unauthorized pipeline connection, while electricity is being illegally drawn via a bypass from the official control room meter to a secondary, unapproved meter. Toilets have also been constructed directly on government property, in violation of existing land-use and sanitation laws.
This unauthorized setup has triggered outrage among local residents, who point out the disparity in treatment. “Goan families are forced to go through a long and bureaucratic process, with multiple visits to government offices, just to get basic utilities. And here is a basti that seems to have bypassed every regulation,” said one resident.
Xeldem Sarpanch Kavita Gawas Dessai confirmed that the panchayat granted no permission for the basti and was unaware of any official applications being submitted for utility connections. Local panch member Deepti Naik also stated she was never consulted or informed about the infrastructure developments in the settlement.
The situation has raised serious questions about governance, accountability, and the enforcement of land-use and utility regulations, with demands growing for immediate investigation and corrective action.