Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: In response to growing concerns from locals, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas on Thursday morning directed a builder to reopen the access road near the Zuarinagar Post Office, which connects to Velsao, ensuring relief for the affected residents. The MLA also instructed the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) to put all project approvals on hold until the issues raised by the locals are addressed.
The decision came after Vas conducted a joint inspection along with MPDA officials, the Sancoale Panchayat secretary, and agitated residents. The move follows two recent protests by locals against the builder, who had fenced off a huge property intended for a mega housing project in Sancoale.
Residents were outraged when the builder fenced the area using tin sheets, restricting access to key locations, including The Zuarinagar Post Office, a holy cross and a Hindu crematorium
They also claimed that the builder had not obtained necessary approvals from the panchayat before blocking these roads.
Speaking to the media, MLA Anton Vas stated that he had written to multiple authorities, including the Chief Town Planner, MPDA, Deputy Collector, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane, and local panchayat leaders, seeking their intervention.
“The builder has applied to MPDA for land amalgamation, compound wall and road realignment approvals. However, the locals submitted a representation to me regarding the issues they are facing. This is why I called for a joint inspection, ensuring transparency in the process,” said Vas.
While only MPDA and the Sancoale Panchayat secretary attended the inspection, Vas assured the public that their concerns would be prioritized. “The builder had blocked the age-old roads leading to the post office, crematorium, holy cross, and the Velsao-Zuarinagar connection. He has now agreed to reopen them. Additionally, I have directed MPDA to put all project approvals on hold until local grievances are resolved. I do not want any department to approve this project without first discussing it with the people,” Vas asserted.
“We have had discussions, and key decisions have been made.
I want to make it absolutely clear that the builder’s file for the mega housing project has already reached MPDA. I have called for a joint inspection with all authorities and locals to ensure transparency. MPDA and its members must engage with the community before approving this project. No panchayat body should later claim they had no choice but to approve it.” Said Vas
” I have directed MPDA to put all approvals on hold until local concerns are resolved. Every department must take public objections seriously, as I do not want to be held responsible tomorrow and be balmed unnecessarily claiming that I am pushing this project as the Cortalim MLA and MPDA member,” said Vas.
The Sancoale Panchayat secretary confirmed that the matter would be placed in the next monthly meeting on February 18, where a decision on removing the fencing could be discussed.
Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza thanked MLA Anton Vas for taking swift action.
“We are relieved that the access roads to the Velsao Bellem area, post office, and holy cross will be restored. This was an issue of great concern for the locals, and we are grateful for the MLA’s timely intervention,” said D’Souza
The move has been welcomed by residents, who now hope that their longstanding access routes will remain open and that their voices will be heard in future planning decisions.
