Development is often touted as the answer to progress, prosperity, and modernisation. But when development becomes unchecked, unbalanced, and top-down, it can overwhelm the very communities it intends to uplift. The case of Loliem-Polem, a quiet panchayat nestled in Goa’s southernmost tip, is fast becoming a textbook example of this looming dilemma.
In a span of just nine months, the Comunidade of Loliem-Polem has given the nod to seven major projects that together will consume an astounding 27.3 lakh square meters — more than one-third of its total 81 lakh sq mtrs land.
On paper, these projects appear diverse, forward-looking and development-oriented: a Film City, an agro-processing unit, a 100 MW solar power plant, a Sainik School, a cricket stadium, tourism amenities, and even an office complex.
Each of these projects, when looked at in isolation, might even appear beneficial. The Film City, being established by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) on the Bhagwati Plateau, could turn the region into a cinematic hub, creating jobs and attracting tourism.
The fruit processing unit under Mallikarjun Multifruits, backed by none other than Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, could provide value addition to agriculture, encouraging local farmers.
A solar power plant speaks directly to clean energy goals. A Sainik School opens new avenues for rural education and employment. A cricket stadium and tourist wayside amenities cater to recreation and infrastructure development.
But taken together, these projects represent an alarming 33% land conversion in a panchayat that is still largely rural, tribal, and ecologically sensitive. Can such a small and fragile ecosystem sustain this scale of transformation?
The Invisible Cost of “Development”
Let’s be clear — no one is against development. But how much and how fast are questions that the government, local authorities, and communities must ask with urgency.
The Loliem-Polem projects will bring in labourers, contractors, machinery, and migrants. With them will come new settlements, an increased demand for water, electricity, waste disposal, and public transport.
None of these projects – including the solar plant or Film City – seems to have shared any detailed environmental impact assessments, public consultations, or infrastructure readiness reports.
At the very least, locals should have been allowed to examine a composite development plan rather than learning of projects piecemeal.
What’s the carrying capacity of Loliem-Polem? Can its groundwater sustain such activity? Are environmental clearances in place for all seven ventures? Has the panchayat conducted any social audit of the benefits vs burdens?
More worryingly, the Comunidade land, historically held in trust by the community for the collective good, is now being leased to private companies, political allies, and government agencies, some of which have no proven track record.
The fruit company has a sitting politician as its director – a clear conflict of interest. The solar plant demands 15 lakh sq mtrs, nearly 18% of the entire panchayat’s landholding, to be handed over to a single private company. Where is the scrutiny?
What About the People?
What is missing in this frenzied push for development is the voice of the people of Loliem-Polem. Are they ready for this scale of change? Are they being heard?
The panchayat, which boasts a rich cultural history and is home to several tribal communities, risks losing its identity, natural resources, and social harmony. Migrant influx, rising land prices, pollution, and the urbanisation that inevitably follows such mega-projects will reshape the landscape forever.
The solution is not to halt development but to pause, reassess, and include the people in the process. A comprehensive Land Use Plan, a Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment, and a local referendum on high-impact projects are the need of the hour. Loliem-Polem deserves smart, sustainable growth, not indiscriminate land leasing.
Because once the trees are felled, the water tables drop, and the hills are flattened, there will be no going back — only regret.
