Residents accuse SWR and RVNL of entering private land without consent, demand full halt and legal action
Team Goemkarponn
Vasco: Tensions rose sharply in Cansaulim on Sunday after villagers alleged that officials of South Western Railway and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited entered private properties with heavy machinery to begin work on a proposed railway underpass near Cansaulim Railway Station. Landowners claimed the sudden arrival of machinery amounted to criminal trespass and said no land acquisition process or prior consultation had taken place.
Residents gathered at the site after excavation reportedly began on land belonging to Maria Celina Douza Antao in Survey Nos. 2/6 and 2/8. Villagers said RVNL personnel continued work despite objections raised on the spot. They also alleged that Cortalim MLA Anthony Vas was present but did not intervene to address their concerns.
The incident prompted a swift political response. GPCC president Amit Patkar, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijay Sardessai and several other senior Congress leaders and activists reached the site following calls from villagers. Their presence sharpened scrutiny of the legality of the ongoing activity.
Residents voiced anger that leaders from adjoining constituencies responded immediately while their own MLA remained silent. They said the lack of communication had deepened frustration in the community.
Tensions escalated further when, in the presence of the joint magistrate, the South Goa MP and the Fatorda MLA, an RVNL official identified as Sahoo allegedly told the affected landowner to “do what you want to do.” Villagers said the remark reflected a dismissive attitude toward their rights.
Joint Mamlatdar Jennifer was deputed to the site but referred the matter to the Mormugao deputy collector. Villagers said this lack of immediate administrative intervention added to the unrest.
Under sustained pressure from residents and political leaders, part of the machinery deployed for the underpass work was removed. Villagers said the partial withdrawal was not enough and demanded that all equipment be cleared from private land to prevent any further activity.
Residents called for legal action against the SWR and RVNL officials involved, including Sahoo, alleging wilful trespass and misuse of official machinery. They demanded that the machinery be impounded and that responsibility be fixed for bypassing legal procedures.
Villagers warned that any attempt to resume work without due process could trigger wider protests. They stressed that they are not opposed to development but insisted that any project must follow transparent procedures, proper documentation and the informed consent of affected landowners.
They said trust has been shaken and that only a complete halt to the alleged illegal activity, along with strict adherence to the law, can restore confidence in the authorities.
