MARGAO: Betalbatim residents have voiced strong objections against the issuance of occupancy certificates for a controversial housing project and on Monday, locals prevented the village panchayat from conducting a site inspection for the project’s occupancy certificate.
Residents have demanded that the panchayat first address their objections regarding the project. They alleged that there were several violations by the builder, including blocking traditional pathways to agricultural fields, constructing soak pits in the fields, and other unauthorized constructions. However, Sarpanch Antonio Fernandes claimed that his team had visited the site to assess the situation firsthand.
He also assured that the panchayat will not issue an occupancy certificate without addressing the objections and grievances of the locals.
On Monday, a team led by the Sarpanch, along with the panchayat secretary and ward members, visited the site. However, upon hearing the news, locals gathered at the site and prevented the panchayat from conducting the inspection.
Speaking to reporters, locals, mostly farmers, alleged that the panchayat had failed to respond to their complaints filed since 2005. They expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of action or attention to their grievances regarding various issues related to development and land use in Betalbatim.
“We had brought to the notice of the panchayat that the concerned builder had blocked the traditional pathways of farmers to agricultural fields. Two soak pits have been constructed in the fields, and despite providing evidence of these violations, the panchayat has not taken action,” said the farmers.
Locals have also alleged that the builder has encroached upon the nullah by constructing a retaining wall. This accusation suggests further concerns about environmental impacts and potential disruptions to natural drainage systems at the site.
“The panchayat has yet to attend to the grievances raised by the farmers; however, now the panchayat is visiting the site to conduct an inspection pertaining to issuing an occupancy certificate to the said housing project, which is totally unfair,” stated locals.
“ The Panchayat will not issue occupancy certificate without addressing the grievances of the locals. We will definitely not issue occupancy certificates if the allegations of the locals are found to be true,” said Sarpanch Antonio Fernandes.
He further said that the panchayat needs to prepare a report on what has been observed at the site.
Sarpanch also assured that the panchayat will definitely listen to the grievances of locals and farmers.
