MAPUSA: The serene village of Paliem-Ucassaim is undergoing a significant transformation as developers continue to seize thousands of square metres of land for construction right before the eyes of its inhabitants.
Over the past three years, the village has witnessed extensive concrete development, including the ongoing construction of 11 villas spanning approximately 11,000 square metres in Survey No. 6/3.
However, this project has sparked objections from the villagers of Paliem-Uccasaim, who fear the destruction of the village’s biodiversity and the depletion of its natural water sources. Last week, concerned villagers gathered at the construction site, demanding a thorough inspection and inquiry into the project. They argue that the panchayat granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) without obtaining the consent of the villagers.
A complainant and youth from the village, Rakesh Naik, stated that the developer has encroached upon the No Development Zone (NDZ). Despite filing a complaint, the authorities, particularly the local panchayat, have failed to take action.
The first complaint was filed on November 25, 2022, regarding the construction of a compound wall and excavation. The Ucassaim-Paliem-Punola Panchayat subsequently issued a stop work order, but no further action was taken. In March 2023, another complaint was lodged against illegal hill-cutting and excavation in the NDZ slope. However, despite a stop work notice issued by the panchayat in May this year, further action has not yet been initiated.
Furthermore, in spite of objections and concerns raised by the villagers, another massive project comprising 22 villas, each with separate swimming pools, has received an NOC from the local panchayat in May 2023. This decision was made despite opposition from a three-member group within the panchayat during a fortnightly meeting.
The development projects have faced objections due to existing power and water-related issues in the village. Villagers fear that the construction, particularly in NDZ and hilly areas, will soon have a detrimental impact on the village’s biodiversity.
Rakesh Naik, the complainant, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “The panchayat has granted permission for 11 villa projects, but the developer has encroached upon the No Development Zone and engaged in illegal hill cutting. I filed two complaints, one regarding a compound wall constructed beyond the permissible limit and another against hill cutting. The second complaint was filed in March this year. Although photographic evidence accompanied the complaints submitted to the panchayat, it took them two months to respond and issue a stop work notice. Despite the notice, the developer has continued and accelerated the work. I have filed complaints with all relevant departments, but concrete action is yet to be taken. The panchayat witnesses all these illegal activities but fails to act effectively.”
Sarvesh, another local resident, remarked, “The villagers are already suffering due to rampant constructions and hill cutting. We experience frequent power cuts every 15 minutes and face water scarcity. If authorities continue to grant permissions in such situations, the problems will only worsen. The authorities, including the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, should not merely grant permissions from their offices. They should inspect the sites and ensure that the projects comply with the approved plans. The local panchayat should prioritise providing basic necessities before allowing projects that harm the village and its environment.”
According to reports, approximately 3,782 square metres of the land being developed falls within the No Development Zone and passes through the plot allegedly encroached upon by the developer to construct a six-metre road.
Responding to inquiries, Richa Salgoankar, Sarpanch of Uccasaim-Paliem-Punola, stated, “I have personally reviewed the documents and both projects have obtained all the required permissions, including those from the TCP. As for the water and power issues, both projects have provisions for borewells and feeders. The panchayat had initially granted permission for this project, and one of the members currently opposing it had previously supported the project.”
S Parab, another villager, expressed concern over the water shortage issue. “The major concern is water scarcity due to the developer’s multiple borewells. Pumping a significant amount of water will deplete the groundwater level. This will indirectly affect the village’s groundwater table, particularly in hilly terrain.”
Another local resident, S Naik, emphasised the need for thorough inspections and proper infrastructure planning. “Although these projects have departmental approvals, we question whether the authorities conducted on-site inspections before granting permission. After obtaining permission, did they verify if the development aligns with the approved plans? These departments issue permissions without considering the ground realities, leaving the people to suffer. The State already faces water scarcity and limited power infrastructure. Allowing such mega projects is impractical. The government should prioritise establishing the necessary infrastructure for the public before promoting concrete development.”
