Team Goemkarponn
SANGOLDA: A fresh wave of opposition has erupted in Sangolda village, Bardez, as local residents have strongly objected to the issuance of an Occupancy Certificate (OC) to a housing project by Deshmukh Construction/Gama Builders in Survey No. 95/22. The villagers have submitted a detailed representation to the authorities, accusing the builder of manipulating documents, blocking traditional access routes, and committing alleged acts of land grabbing.
The representation, signed by five villagers including Ramakant Gawas and Chandrakant Kerkar, alleges that the builder obtained permissions from authorities on the basis of false undertakings and affidavits. Kerkar, one of the signatories, claims to have purchased 104 sq.m. of land from the co-owners via a registered sale deed dated November 28, 2006. He alleges that this portion of land was fraudulently shown as part of the builder’s project area and that his access to the plot has now been blocked by a compound wall.
Adding to the gravity of the allegations, Kerkar has filed Civil Suit No. RCS/12/2025/D before the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Mapusa, seeking declaration and permanent injunction against the developer. He has also filed Writ Petition No. 1624/2024 before the High Court, highlighting irregularities in permissions and approvals.
The residents have also raised serious environmental concerns, pointing out the lack of a proper drainage system in the area. “The ongoing construction, without a storm water management system, poses a health hazard to villagers and violates the Technical Clearance conditions,” reads the letter.
A memorandum issued by the Block Development Officer (BDO), Bardez, has directed the Secretary of Sangolda Village Panchayat to act in accordance with the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and submit an action taken report within seven days. However, the villagers allege that an inspection conducted by a temporary administrator was vague and leaned in favor of the builder.
Meanwhile, a divided Panchayat body has failed to reach a consensus on the matter. While three panch members and the Sarpanch reportedly supported the construction, the remaining three opposed it. The Secretary has assured that the matter will be referred to the Director of Panchayats for further action.
When confronted by the media, the Sarpanch refrained from taking a clear stand and stated that the matter would be handled by the BDO. However, villagers remain skeptical, citing concerns that the Occupancy Certificate may be issued without addressing their objections.
