Team Herald
MARGAO: The residents of Velsao are facing an uphill battle as railway construction work continues unabated, despite an ongoing court case and a stop-work order issued by the local panchayat. The petition filed by the villagers against South Western Railway (SWR), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), and the contractor before the District Court in Margao was adjourned yet again to Saturday, 15 March, leaving the community in distress.
At the site, heavy machinery is being used in full swing, causing vibrations that are damaging centuries-old heritage homes and disregarding the boundaries of private properties. Residents, who possess documents proving their ownership, feel helpless as their pleas for relief go unheard.
Sandra Rodrigues, a resident, described the situation as “living hell.” “For the past eight days, life for my family has been unbearable. The dust pollution is choking us to the extent that we can’t even cook our meals. Mud and stone metal are dumped right in front of our gate, spread across the area, and compacted with heavy industrial machinery. The vibrations are so severe that the roof of our 400-year-old heritage home creaks heavily, forcing us to move outdoors for safety,” she said.
Rodrigues also highlighted the emotional toll of the crisis. “The panchayat, Goencho Ekvott members, and our neighbours have been supportive, but I’m not even allowed to grieve the untimely passing of my father less than a month ago. The only access to our home is completely blocked, and my car has been stuck in our compound since January,” she added.
The panchayat’s stop-work order, issued to protect the villagers’ rights, has been blatantly ignored by the railways. To make matters worse, there are concerns that an FIR is being registered against the residents by railway officials, further escalating tensions. The situation has left the community feeling betrayed and helpless. “We have approached the court for relief, but the adjournments and delays are only prolonging our suffering. The railways are acting as if they are above the law, and the administration is turning a blind eye,” said another resident.
With an FIR potentially being filed against them, the villagers’ fight for justice and relief has become even more challenging.
South Goa MP talks about plight of Velsao locals in Parliament, demands action against RVNL for encroaching private land
Team Herald
MAPUSA: South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Captain Viriato Fernandes on Wednesday raised the urgent issue of alleged encroachment by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) on private land in Velsao during the Zero Hour in Parliament. He highlighted the plight of villagers, including the elderly and children, who have been left isolated and landlocked due to the dumping of mud and construction activities by RVNL for the double-tracking project.
In his address, Captain Fernandes drew attention to the forceful occupation of private property by RVNL, which has blocked access to several homes. “One lady lost her father a few days ago and couldn’t even bring his body out because the gate was blocked by dumped material,” he said, emphasising the dire situation faced by residents.
He also pointed out that Velsao Sarpanch Diana Gouveia had issued a stop-work order, which RVNL had ignored. Instead, the administration filed complaints against the Sarpanch and residents for protecting their rights. “The private property owners have to be respected. The ownership of their land has to be respected, and the powers of the Sarpanch have to be respected. Otherwise, there will be no respect for Panchayati Raj or the 73rd Amendment,” he asserted.
Captain Fernandes urged the government to take immediate action against those responsible for the encroachment and to address the grievances of the villagers.
Incidentally, North Goa MP Shripad Naik was present in Parliament when Captain Fernandes raised the issue. It may also be recalled that the South Goa MP had recently intervened directly in this matter when he visited the site in Velsao to assess the situation firsthand and engage with residents, RVNL contractors, and local officials.