Tensions flared at the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department office in Panaji as villagers from Palem and Siridao staged a protest demanding answers over alleged planning irregularities. The demonstrators, comprising residents and local activists, gathered inside the office premises, calling for a direct response from Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur regarding development proposals affecting their villages.
The protest, which lasted several hours, saw villagers sitting on the floor while police personnel stood by to maintain order. The residents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of transparency in planning decisions that could impact their land and environment.
“We have been waiting for months for clarity on these projects. Our concerns are being ignored,” said one of the protesters. The villagers claim that certain development plans were approved without adequate consultation, raising fears of encroachment and environmental damage.
The demonstrators demanded that the TCP department release detailed information about zoning changes and construction permissions in the area. They also urged authorities to ensure that future planning decisions align with community interests and environmental sustainability.
Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur was reportedly informed of the protest and assured that the department would review the grievances. Officials stated that the TCP remains committed to fair and lawful planning processes.
Local leaders praised the villagers for their peaceful demonstration, emphasizing that civic engagement is vital for accountability. “People have the right to question decisions that affect their homes and livelihoods,” said a community representative.
The protest reflects growing public concern over urban expansion and its impact on Goa’s coastal villages. As development pressures mount, residents are increasingly demanding greater participation in planning decisions.
Authorities have promised to hold consultations with affected communities in the coming weeks. For now, the Palem–Siridao villagers’ protest stands as a reminder of the importance of transparency and dialogue in shaping Goa’s future.
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