Taleigao locals allege builder on agri land, but p’yat denies

Taleigao: At the gram sabha of Taleigao on Sunday, some residents voiced their concerns over the alleged development of large-scale housing projects in the village’s low-lying areas and on agricultural land. An attendee at the sabha pointed to an ongoing construction project near Copperleaf restaurant, which he said is expected to include around “500” apartments.

Panch Sydney Barreto clarified that the development will consist of approximately 150 flats, rather than the claimed 500. Barreto said, “The panchayat body has not granted and will not grant any permission for development on agricultural land.” Village panchayat secretary Gaurish Pednekar said builders usually approach the panchayat after acquiring and converting properties. He acknowledged the panchayat’s inability to act in such situations.

Political activist Cecille Rodrigues proposed to “reject outright any proposal for zone changes in Taleigao under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act”. However, Pednekar and sarpanch Maria Fernandes refused to consider the proposal, stating that it was under the TCP department’s jurisdiction and not the panchayat’s. A attendee raised questions about the water supply for the new project.


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