Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The builder and landowner of the proposed Shiv Residency project at Delem, Canacona, have jointly defended the legality of the development, rejecting allegations of illegal construction and claiming that the project has received all statutory approvals from the competent authorities.
Addressing a press conference, builder Rajesh Tarcar of Rajdeep Builders and landowner Praveen Naik Gaonkar responded to objections raised by a group of local residents led by former councillor Dhiraj Naik Gaonkar, who had questioned the legality of the project, the availability of a 15-metre-wide access road and the possible influx of outsiders into the village.
Praveen Naik Gaonkar said the proposed development is a serviced apartment project intended for temporary occupancy and not a residential township for permanent residents. He said there was no question of outsiders becoming voters in the village or outnumbering the local population.
He added that the project has been designed as an environmentally friendly development with rainwater harvesting, solar-powered street lighting, extensive tree plantation, its own electricity transformer and an independent water management system. According to him, the project will generate employment and business opportunities for local residents while contributing to the village economy and supporting community development initiatives.
Rajesh Tarcar stated that the approach road forms an integral part of the project and has been planned as a 15-metre-wide road with a 7.5-metre setback in accordance with directions issued by the Town and Country Planning Department. He said the road has been approved by both the TCP Department and the Public Works Department under the Regional Plan 2021.
Tarcar maintained that the project has obtained all necessary approvals, the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) has not been exceeded and no land-use changes have been made.
He also dismissed allegations that the project comprises 150 flats or that it would lead to an influx of residents from other states, calling such claims baseless and misleading.
The builder and landowner further alleged that objections filed before the Deputy Collector and the Canacona Municipal Council by three individuals, including Dhiraj Naik Gaonkar, were unsuccessful. They claimed that despite this, misinformation about the project continued to be circulated.
Appealing for peace, they urged residents not to resort to protests or highway blockades, stating that such actions would not be in the interest of the village and calling instead for discussions based on approved documents and factual information.
