Telaulim Gram Sabha Reiterates Opposition to 100 FAR Housing Projects, Urges TCP to Protect Open Spaces

The gram sab ha of Telaulim Village Panchayat, held on Sun day and chaired by Sar panch Franny Barretto, once again voiced strong opposition to large-scale housing projects proposed with a 100 Floor Area Ra tio (FAR). Members reaffirmed their earlier stand and unanimously passed a fresh resolution urging the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department not to permit any construction ac tivity on the village’s desig nated open spaces. The de cision underscores growing concern among residents over unplanned develop ment in the area. The resolution carries added importance as it mirrors one passed during the previous Gram Sabha, signalling that villagers remain firm in their resist ance to high-density hous ing projects. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Deputy Sarpanch Estevan Goes said the renewed resolution was necessary since the TCP had failed to act on the ear lier decision. “The villagers have made their opposition clear, but there has been no positive response from the authorities,” he said. According to sources, when the earlier resolution was communicated to the TCP, officials reportedly re plied that the department would continue to adhere to existing government pol icies regarding FAR. The gram sabha also focused on irrigation con cerns, calling on the Wa ter Resources Department (WRD) to expedite the con struction of four planned water bodies meant for storing water for agricul tural use. Members insist ed that the stored water should not be released prematurely in March, but only in May, to ensure suf ficient supply for summer cultivation. In addition, members discussed an application submitted to the panchayat seeking details about tax es and residential houses within the panchayat’s ju risdiction