“As development continues to encroach upon the village’s natural resources, locals worry about the ramifications for their water table and the potential for increased soil erosion, with many predicting a looming drinking water crisis.
The sentiment was palpable during the gram sabha, where residents pointed fingers at builders, accusing them of recklessly destroying the greenery that defines Assagao.
There was a strong sense of betrayal among community members, who felt that forest officials had succumbed to the influence of powerful lobbies, issuing licenses for tree cutting without appropriate scrutiny or accountability. ”
Nestled within the enchanting landscape of Goa, the village of Assagao has undergone a transformation that many locals now view with a mixture of nostalgia and anxiety.
Once celebrated for its idyllic charm and lush green surroundings, Assagao has increasingly come under the pressures of rapid development, with residents expressing deep concerns over the erosion of their forest cover.
In a recent Sunday Gram Sabha meeting, villagers gathered to voice their worries about unchecked deforestation and the rampant construction activities threatening their environment, particularly the village’s water supply.
At the centre of the community’s discontent is the alarming rate at which trees are being felled. Villagers have raised concerns that unscrupulous builders, often backed by lax forest officials, are facilitating this destruction.
As development continues to encroach upon the village’s natural resources, locals worry about the ramifications for their water table and the potential for increased soil erosion, with many predicting a looming drinking water crisis.
The sentiment was palpable during the gram sabha, where residents pointed fingers at builders, accusing them of recklessly destroying the greenery that defines Assagao.
There was a strong sense of betrayal among community members, who felt that forest officials had succumbed to the influence of powerful lobbies, issuing licenses for tree cutting without appropriate scrutiny or accountability.
A member of the gram sabha hit the nail on the head when he warned that the ongoing deforestation would have catastrophic environmental consequences and called for residents to remain vigilant in protecting their vital natural resources.
Today, Assagao stands as one of the most expensive real estate markets in Goa, with land rates soaring over ₹1,00,000 per square meter.
This unprecedented rise in land prices has resulted in a significant demographic shift, as many local Goans have sold their properties to buyers from Delhi.
This influx has sparked a growing perception among longtime residents that a once serene Goan village is now predominantly a haven for North Indians.
The irony is not lost on the villagers; the very same community that sold their land, perhaps for short-term gains, is now confronted with the consequences of their actions.
Assagao’s evolution from a quaint village to a burgeoning enclave teeming with urban development poses a classic dilemma: progress or preservation.
As development takes precedence, many residents are left grappling with a profound sense of loss for the lush landscapes and cultural heritage that once defined their home.
The phrase, “We have sold it to Delhi,” echoes in the sentiments of the villagers, capturing their disillusionment with the commodification of their cultural and natural resources.
The meeting culminated with a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of community and environment. Residents realized that the discourse around deforestation extends beyond mere statistics; it encompasses their identity as Goans, their history, and their collective future.
The awakening in Assagao serves as a vital lesson: while development is integral to growth, it must be balanced with sustainability to preserve the essence of a place that is more than just a collection of buildings and land parcels—it’s a living, breathing community. The stakes are high, and the choice between urbanization and environmental stewardship will define the legacy of Assagao for generations to come.
