Orlim Gaum Rakhon Manch objects to Proposed Mega-project in the village

The Orlim Gaum Rakhon Manch (OGRM) has been opposing the construction of a real-estate project in Palcutta ward of the village, consisting of 60 flats, with a swimming pool and commercial complex owned by the Kanpur-based Swastik dwelling Pvt. Ltd. Company. While this project is partially located on fields that have been converted, the Manch points out that it will seriously impact the flow of natural springs that irrigate neighbouring fields in the area that are still being cultivated. With these and other concerns the Manch and concerned villagers approached Mr. Rajesh Naik at the TCP office in Margao to request a review of the permissions granted to the project. They pointed out that the permissions were granted as per the 2001 plan, which incorrectly shows the roads in the area and the existing fields as settlement. OGRM also pointed out to the TCP that the project included a sewage treatment plant and a bore well and questioned how the same could be located in the fields. The bore well catering 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.



In addition to the objections to the project, the very ownership of the property is now being questioned as a number of irregularities have subsequently been discovered.



While the OGRM and the people of Palcautta await the reply of the TCP they hope better sense will prevail as they will accept nothing short of a revocation of a license as the village of Orlim and Palcutta ward in particular cannot take the load of this project. Besides, the community in the vicinity is primarily based on cultivation of these fields and on farming livestock and the project would come as an obstruction to their livelihood.



The villagers of Orlim are determined to see that this project will be the last and they will soon see the end of it in the village as they will not allow roads to be constructed in fields or any land filling with veiled intentions while putting to the people that the said roads are for development as its now well known that no approval will be given by TCP without a road of a given specification on site .


kim Miranda
co convenor Orlim Gaum Rakhon Manch