Curtorim Gram Sabha Unanimously Rejects Proposed Mega Construction Project
The Curtorim gram sabha, held on Sunday, witnessed a decisive move as members passed a resolution firmly opposing a proposed mega construction project within the village. The assembly, attended by Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, voiced grave concerns over the project's potential environmental and social impacts, particularly focusing on water resources.
Environmental Threats to Maina Lake and Groundwater
Residents raised a significant alarm regarding the project's close proximity to the ecologically sensitive Maina lake. They emphasized that the designated land is intricately laced with wells, all of which are hydrologically connected to the lake, situated merely a few hundred meters away. The gram sabha members argued that the construction and subsequent habitation would inevitably lead to the contamination of Maina lake and these nearby wells. This pollution poses a direct threat to the local drinking water supply, which is already under considerable strain.
The resolution highlighted that the project would destroy vital groundwater aquifers, exacerbating the village's existing water scarcity issues. Many households in Curtorim are currently grappling with acute water shortages, and the addition of approximately 200 new residents from the proposed 25 flats and accompanying shops would place unbearable pressure on these limited resources.
Demands for Surveys and Regulatory Caps
In response to these concerns, the villagers have demanded a comprehensive carrying capacity survey to be conducted before any project approval is granted. This survey would assess the village's ability to support additional population and infrastructure without degrading its environment and resources.
The gram sabha also called out the unilateral increase in the project's floor area ratio (FAR) to 100%, which was done without seeking the sabha's approval. The resolution explicitly demands that the FAR for any future construction projects in Curtorim be strictly capped at 50% to prevent overdevelopment and maintain ecological balance.
Disputes Over Infrastructure and Agricultural Impact
Further objections were raised regarding the project's infrastructure claims. Villagers disputed the assertion in the Regional Plan 2021 that a 25-meter-wide road provides access to the site, stating that the existing road measures only 10 meters in width. They strongly opposed any attempts to widen this road to 25 meters, likely due to land acquisition concerns and disruption to the local landscape.
The agricultural implications were also a major point of discussion. Gram sabha members noted that at least 150 families depend on Maina lake for paddy cultivation. A polluted lake would render agriculture unproductive, forcing farmers to abandon their fields. The risk of skin diseases from contaminated water was cited as a significant health hazard that could drive the farming community away from their livelihoods.
Broader Call for Project Scrutiny
Extending their environmental advocacy, the gram sabha resolution demanded the scrapping of two other proposed projects in the village. These projects were cited for similar concerns regarding environmental degradation and the added pressure on Curtorim's already scarce resources. The collective action underscores the community's commitment to sustainable development and the protection of their natural heritage against unchecked construction activities.
