Chimbel residents oppose housing project on cremation ground

Panaji: Chimbel residents have urged the govt to halt a mega housing project in Gaulem Bhat, claiming that part of it is being built on land that includes a decades-old cremation ground. They alleged the town and country planning (TCP) department allowed the project despite the discrepancies.

The villagers have been opposing the project since its construction, which was halted in Jan 2017, resumed recently.

Govind Shirodkar, president of the Federation of Gawada Kunbi Velip and Dhangar (GAKUVED Federation), said the project area housed 15 tribal families, but their houses and the crematorium were removed after the land changed ownership.

“The houses of tribals have been uprooted by the builder’s devious plans. We want to know from govt how this is being allowed,” asked Shirodkar.

Shirodkar said the construction resumed after nine years as the TCP allegedly approved a revised plan without tribal houses and the crematorium, which is now being used by another developer to build a new structure.

Residents have urged the panchayat and TCP to revoke the project's permissions.




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