Team Herald
VASCO: In a show of strength, Velsao-Pale residents thronged Sancoale in large numbers on Saturday protesting against the alleged “barricading” of a historically significant Holy Cross, by a private builder.
The protestors accused the builder of blocking the traditional age-old access from Bellem-Velsao upto Zuarinagar to their private properties, religious sites, and public roads, causing inconvenience to locals by allegedly “barricading” the site with tin sheets.
They vowed to continue their agitation with or without government support and warned of intensified demonstrations if their demands were ignored.
The protest follows a similar protest launched against the same builder for restricting access to the Zuarinagar post office, compelling the Postmaster to operate outside the gated premises.
The residents complained that the builder purchased a large chunk of land from Zuari Agro Chemicals and installed barricades, blocking entry to the Holy Cross, a crematorium, and access roads.
Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, who previously led the agitation against the Zuarinagar Post Office blockade, voiced his strong opposition to the builder’s actions.
“We are not here for personal or political reasons. We are fighting for our rights. The builder has barricaded the entire area, stationed security guards, and denied access without informing us,” said D’Souza.
“Private landowners, senior citizens, and devotees are suffering due to this move,” added D’Souza.
He also pointed out that the Form I and XIV land records indicate the land belongs to the public of Sancoale, installing the barricades illegally.
A youth, Aliston Pinto highlighted the long-standing environmental and infrastructural issues faced by locals due to industrial expansion in the area.
“The government had given land to Zuari Agro Chemicals for industrial purposes and employment, but we have only suffered—air and water pollution, ruined farmlands, and skin diseases among farmers. Now, instead of addressing our grievances, the land is being sold to private builders for mega residential projects,” Pinto said.
The protestors warned that a large-scale residential project with hundreds of flats and villas would further burden the region’s water and electricity supply, impacting the locals.
“We are already struggling with water and power shortages. This influx of outsiders will consume our limited resources and destroy the village’s social fabric. The sewage and garbage from these mega projects will pollute our farms and the Bellem area,” said Pinto.
He also revealed that the site holds historical and religious importance, as it is connected to Our Lady of Remedies chapel (Three Kings chapel) and features footsteps believed to belong to Our Lady of Remedies.
“This Holy Cross is a place of worship for generations. The builder initially assured access but has now blocked entry and stationed guards. Even private landowners have been landlocked by these barricades,” he added.
A resident Devidas Satarkar urged the Sancoale Panchayat to intervene and reject the builder’s project proposal until the local issues are resolved.
“How can industrial land be converted into a residential zone without considering the impact on locals? The authorities must wake up and act before it’s too late,” he said.