Residents of Novimoddi in Sirvoi have urged the Village Panchayat of Xeldem not to proceed with the renewal of a construction licence for a proposed commercial-cum-residential building until pending legal proceedings related to the project are decided by the courts and competent authorities.
The project concerns a property located in Survey No. 25/13 of Sirvoi village. According to villagers, the main concern is that the proposed construction could block the only access road leading to several residential houses in the locality, potentially affecting the daily movement and essential access of families living in the area.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The issue was also discussed during a recent Panchayat members’ meeting, where ward member Caetano Carvalho and Panchayat member Dipti Naik reportedly objected to the issuance of the construction licence. Their objections were raised particularly in light of directions issued by the Town and Country Planning Department asking the Panchayat to verify complaints related to encroachment, judicial orders, and other legal matters before granting any licence.
Villagers pointed out that the legality of the construction licence and the technical clearance has already been challenged before the District and Sessions Court Margao in Civil Suit No. 21/2023, where the Panchayat and concerned departments, including the TCP Department, are parties to the proceedings. The case is currently pending for hearing.
In addition, residents have approached the Additional Director of Panchayats in Margao under Case No. ADP-II/P.A/136/2023, challenging the legality of the permissions granted for the project. This matter is also awaiting adjudication.
Villagers further noted that the Panchayat had earlier issued a Stop Work Order dated March 23, 2023, which remains in force. In view of this order and the pending court proceedings, residents believe that renewing the construction licence at this stage would be premature and contrary to legal provisions.
They also highlighted that the technical clearance issued by the TCP Department clearly requires the Panchayat to verify complaints regarding encroachment, judicial orders, and other legal issues before issuing any licence.
On March 10, villagers submitted a final reminder to the Panchayat urging authorities to refrain from renewing the licence until the legal matters are resolved. Copies of the representation were also sent to the Block Development Officer, the Town and Country Planning Department, and Nilesh Cabral.
