Orlim citizens' front opposes project
21 Jun 2009, 0445 hrs IST, TNN



PANAJI: The Orlim Gaum Rakhon Manch (OGRM) has opposed the construction of a real-estate project consisting of 60 flats with a swimming pool and
commercial complex in Palcutta ward, alleging that it is partially located on cultivable agricultural land.

"The project is partly in fields that have been converted," Kim Miranda, co-convenor of the Manch said. "It will seriously impact the flow of natural springs that irrigate neighbouring fields in the area and which are still being cultivated," she added.

The villagers, along with some Manch members, also approached Rajesh Naik, town planner at the town and country (TCP) office in Margao and urged that permissions granted to the project be reviewed.

They pointed out that the permissions were granted as per the 2001 plan, which shows the roads in the area and the existing fields as settlement.

The OGRM also pointed out to the TCP that the project included a sewage treatment plant and a bore well. This cannot be located in the fields.

The bore well which will cater to the commercial complex, flats and swimming pool would adversely impact the water table and wells, not to mention the sewage treatment plant that would affect the farmers growing their fields, the Manch members pointed out.