Cortalim MLA directs builder to reopen road access at Zuarinagar

VASCO

Cortalim MLA Anton Vas on Thursday morning directed a builder to reopen the road leading to the Zuarinagar Post Office and connecting Velsao, ensuring relief to the affected residents.

In response to protests from locals, the MLA also instructed the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) to put all project approvals on hold until the issues raised by the locals are addressed.

The decision came after Vas conducted a joint inspection along with MPDA officials, the Sancoale Panchayat Secretary, and agitated residents. The move follows two recent protests by locals against the builder, who had fenced off a huge property intended for a mega housing project in Sancoale.

Residents were outraged when the builder fenced the area using tin sheets, restricting access to key locations, including the Zuarinagar Post Office, a Cross and a Hindu crematorium.

Speaking to the media, MLA Anton Vas stated that he had written to multiple authorities, including the Chief Town Planner, MPDA, Deputy Collector, and local panchayat leaders, seeking their intervention.

“The builder has applied to MPDA for land amalgamation, compound wall and road realignment approvals. However, the locals submitted a representation to me regarding the issues confronting them. This is why I called for a joint inspection, ensuring transparency in the process,” said Vas.

While only MPDA officials and the Sancoale Panchayat secretary attended the inspection, Vas assured the public that their concerns would be prioritised.

“The builder had blocked the age-old roads leading to the post office, crematorium, holy cross, and the Velsao-Zuarinagar connection. He has now agreed to reopen them. Additionally, I have directed MPDA to put all project approvals on hold until local grievances are resolved. I do not want any department to approve this project without first discussing it with the people,” Vas asserted.

“The MPDA must engage with the local community before approving this project. No panchayat body should later claim they had no choice but to approve it,” said Vas. 

"Every department must take public objections seriously, as I do not want to be held responsible tomorrow and be blamed unnecessarily claiming that I am pushing this project as the Cortalim MLA and MPDA member,” said Vas.

The Sancoale panchayat secretary confirmed that the matter would be placed in the next monthly meeting on February 18, where a decision on removing the fencing could be discussed.

Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza said locals were relieved that the access road to the Velsao Bellem area, post office, and Cross would be restored.