Tensions ran high at the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department office in Panaji as St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and a group of villagers were forcibly removed by police during a protest against proposed TCP zone changes under Section 39A of the TCP Act.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, escalated when protesters refused to leave the premises until their demands were addressed. The group was calling for the scrapping of all zone changes approved or proposed in their constituency, alleging that such decisions were made without proper consultation and could lead to unregulated development.
MLA Borkar, who joined the villagers in solidarity, accused the authorities of ignoring public concerns and vowed to continue his fight. “I am prepared to go on an indefinite hunger strike until the people’s demands are met,” he declared, adding that he was willing to risk his life if necessary.
Eyewitnesses reported that police intervened after repeated requests for the crowd to disperse went unheeded. Officers escorted the MLA and several villagers out of the building, while others continued chanting slogans outside.
The protesters argued that the zone changes would adversely affect agricultural land and disrupt the ecological balance of the region. They demanded greater transparency in planning decisions and stricter adherence to environmental norms.
Local residents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of accountability in the planning process. “We want development that benefits the people, not projects that destroy our villages,” said one protester.
Officials from the TCP Department maintained that all procedures were followed according to law and assured that public feedback would be considered before final approvals.
The incident has sparked widespread debate across Goa, with civic groups and opposition leaders calling for a review of the TCP Act’s provisions. Many have voiced support for Borkar’s stand, emphasizing the need for community participation in urban planning.
As the situation unfolds, MLA Borkar’s announcement of a potential hunger strike has added urgency to the issue. The protest highlights growing tensions between development authorities and local communities seeking to preserve Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
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