Team Goemkarponn
ZUARINAGAR: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes met with several affected villagers from Bellem Velsao on during a meeting organized by Cortalim TMC leader Mariano Rodrigues, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, and other dignitaries. The meeting addressed growing concerns over a private construction company fencing off land at Zuaringar, allegedly restricting age-old access to villagers, including pathways leading to a crematorium and a site with a holy cross.
Speaking to the media, Captain Fernandes expressed his strong opposition to the ongoing land takeovers, blaming large-scale changes in zoning plans since 2018.
“This is not new; we have seen ODPs and Regional Plans being manipulated, turning NDZs into settlement areas, destroying Goa’s farmlands, orchards, and hills. We need to stay united in this fight. This is not about Congress or any political party—I am here as a South Goa MP. If we do not act now, future generations will hold us responsible,” Fernandes stated.
He further condemned the move by the private builder to issue locals ‘passes’ to access their own land.
“This is a shameful insult to Goans. Outsiders are now telling us we need a pass to enter our own village. Some Goans have sold themselves to these builders, and it’s time to liberate Goa from this exploitation. This fight will begin from Velsao,” he added.
Fernandes also questioned how Communidade land was sold to private firms without consulting locals.
“We have seen how a huge parcel of land was first given to Gwalior Birla for industrial purpose , later renamed Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd, and now to Paradeep Phosphates. The previous Sancoale Communidade members deliberately failed to defend the case in court, allowing this to happen. Now, the new committee under Jayesh Fadte is taking up the fight again,” he explained.
He warned that unchecked land sales would lead to severe consequences for local infrastructure, including water and power supply, while also restricting free movement within villages.
TMC leader Mariano Rodrigues highlighted how the fencing had even blocked access to a village crematorium.
“Our Hindu community members have had to use alternative crematoriums six times in recent months because their own is fenced off. This is an inhumane act, and the government must take immediate action. We will not allow builders from Delhi and Bangalore to dictate terms in our village,” Rodrigues said.
He emphasized that the fight was beyond politics, as leaders from different affiliations had come together to stand against the builder lobby.
“Captain Viriato Fernandes is from Congress, I am from TMC, and Roquezinho D’Souza is affiliated with Independent MLA Anton Vas. Yet, we are united in this cause. This is not a political issue; it is about protecting our land and our rights,” Rodrigues asserted.
The villagers, backed by local leaders, have vowed to continue their fight against what they term as “land grabs by outsider builders,” demanding immediate action from the government to restore access to their traditional spaces.
