Masconi-Cuncolim locals object to WRD survey, demarcation

Residents of Masconi in the Cuncolim municipal area, led by councillor Laximan Naik, protest against the ongoing survey by WRD in private properties along the Selaulim irrigation canal.

Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO
Residents of Masconi in the Cuncolim Municipal area raised objections to a survey and demarcation of land carried out by the Water Resources Department (WRD) along the Selaulim irrigation canal line from Sanguem to Cuncolim.

Armed with banners, the residents staged a protest alongside Cuncolim Municipal Councillor Laximan Naik, vehemently opposing the placement of stones on locals' properties.

Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, who represents Cuncolim Constituency in the Goa Legislative Assembly, also joined the opposition to the WRD’s survey and land demarcation exercise for the Selaulim irrigation project.

Yuri told the media that the WRD had acquired land for the irrigation project in the late 70s and was currently conducting a survey to assess the status of the acquired land. However, he said the people of Masconi in the Cuncolim Municipal area claimed that the WRD had entered their properties to erect poles, causing confusion and concern among local residents.

“The people are agitated and worried after the WRD officials entered their properties to erect poles and stones. We have told the WRD engineers that they cannot encroach on residents' properties. Therefore, we have instructed the engineers to stop the survey, as it is not in the interests of the locals,” Yuri said. “We are exploring all legal avenues if the WRD proceeds with the survey and demarcation exercise,” Yuri added.

Ex-Chairperson and Cuncolim Municipal Councillor Laximan Naik condemned the WRD’s actions in entering private properties in Masconi. He questioned why there was no canal road in the area and asked whether the WRD had acquired the PWD road at the time of land acquisition.