Daijiworld Media Network – Assonora

Assonora, Aug 25: Villagers of Assonora on Sunday strongly opposed proposed mega housing and commercial projects in their area, warning that such developments would deprive locals of basic amenities and destroy the rural character of the village.

At the gram sabha meeting, residents expressed concern over existing issues of water scarcity, frequent power cuts, and inadequate garbage management, stressing that large-scale projects would only worsen the situation.

“Mega projects consume huge quantities of water and electricity. If we allow them here, villagers will be deprived of the basic facilities that are rightfully ours,” said Vijay Benaulikar. He added that unplanned urbanisation had already ruined several towns in Goa, where congestion, parking shortages, and pollution are daily struggles.

Advocate Sasha too voiced strong opposition, stating, “Our panchayat should not issue permissions for mega projects. These projects are not for the benefit of villagers, but only for builders and outsiders.”

Villagers further objected to the government’s proposal to widen village roads to 30 metres under the Regional Plan. “Our 10-metre and 15-metre roads are sufficient. Widening them will only bring more construction and congestion,” Benaulikar said.

Residents also criticised the dysfunctional CCTV cameras installed by the panchayat, alleging that many were non-functional or missing. Responding, Sarpanch Meghashyam Chodankar assured that all cameras would be repaired or replaced within 15 days.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution demanding that the panchayat preserve Assonora’s rural identity and resist pressure to approve mega construction projects that threaten the village’s resources and environment.