Pernem
In a move sparking local opposition and political speculation, the Mandrem Gram Panchayat in Pernem taluka has approved proposals for the development of 90 luxury villas along the village's beachside area.
The decision, taken during a recent Panchayat Board meeting, involves two large-scale real estate projects and has stirred controversy among villagers and activists.
The approvals come at a time when questions are being raised about the involvement and position of Mandrem MLA Jeet Arolkar. Although Arolkar had previously opposed land conversions in non-development zones, the projects were cleared by a Panchayat Board dominated by his supporters, leading to public debate over a possible shift in his stance.
According to official sources, the proposals include a residential project by Raigo Homes Pvt. Ltd., which plans to construct villas, a swimming pool, and a boundary wall on Survey No. 365/2(A). The land reportedly spans multiple zones settlement, orchard, and non-development.
A second proposal, submitted by Mahasir Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd., covers Survey Nos. 211/2(P) and 210/1-A(P), also featuring villa construction and swimming pools.
Both sites fall within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), raising serious concerns about how the Town Planning Department granted technical clearance.
Local objections have intensified over the apparent contradictions between these project approvals and earlier policy positions.
In October 2024, MLA Arolkar had formally requested the Deputy District Magistrate to halt all new construction activities in the Mandre constituency until the completion of a proposed 30 MLD water supply project, citing increasing strain on drinking water resources in Pedne taluka. This led to official instructions from the Deputy District Magistrate, advising all Panchayat Secretaries not to issue new construction licenses.
However, the recent approvals appear to sidestep those directives, prompting allegations that political pressure may have influenced the Panchayat’s decisions.
It remains unclear whether a comprehensive assessment of water availability and zoning compliance was carried out prior to the approvals.
Local opposition has reached a boiling point following the Panchayat Board’s approval of the 90-villa project on April 17, a move that reportedly violates a prior Gram Sabha resolution barring new construction without community consent.
According to Advocate Prasad Shahapurkar, a group of concerned citizens plans to meet with the Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary on April 19 at 12:30 PM at the Mandrem Panchayat office.
They aim to obtain full details regarding the specific survey numbers, terrain characteristics (e.g., hilly, agricultural, or residential land), and the rationale behind the project approvals.
The decision to approve these projects went viral on social media and has caused outrage among villagers. There was a clear resolution that no construction licenses should be issued without public approval
Prasad Shahapurkar - Advocate
If people from Delhi are coming here to illegally level our hills and build villas, we will stop them. It is our responsibility to protect our land for future generations
Vinayak Chari - Village representative
Outraged villagers plan to confront the Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary at the Mandrem Panchayat office. Led by Advocate Prasad Shahapurkar, they intend to demand:
- Site-wise villa approval details
- Topographical information (mountainous, agricultural, residential, etc.)
- Reasons for ignoring local opposition