Bicholim: Karapur villagers opposed the proposed mega housing project and demanded its cancellation at the Karapur-Sarvan gram sabha on Sunday, citing its impact on ecology, landscape and water resources.Sarpanch Avni Sawant chaired the gram sabha. Police were deployed at the venue as a precautionary measure.Biodiversity management committee president Gauresh Ghadi said the lake in Survey No. 180/0 saw its water level drop by about 10cm during summer after three of six proposed borewells were dug to supply water to the proposed housing project. Local Swapnil Salelkar urged residents to seek information under the right to information act to ascertain the status of land in their respective survey holdings.The gram sabha unanimously adopted 17 resolutions, including opposition to the urbanisation of Karapur village and seeking to preserve its rural and ecological character, and eight resolutions opposing Section 39-A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, while demanding its repeal.Residents said Karapur should retain its water bodies, farmland and biodiversity, citing that rapid urbanisation would alter the village’s traditional character. They also reiterated their demand to repeal Section 39-A, saying it should not be enforced in a way that affects villagers.Other issues discussed included switching off streetlights on time, development of facilities near Ganesh immersion sites, and alleged illegal plotting at Phule Wada.
