Panaji: Residents of Goltim-Navelim (Piedade) panchayat on Divar Island gathered on Sunday to oppose the government’s proposal to designate Divar as a tourism village. The villagers unanimously rejected the idea, along with plans for large housing projects, particularly those with more than 12 flats, including those with swimming pools.
Mario Pinto, sarpanch of Goltim-Navelim, stated that there are no ongoing mega or commercial projects in the village. He said that while the government had put forth a proposal, it had already been rejected by the panchayat.
“The villagers do not want Divar to become a tourism village. We are against developments that change the essence of our peaceful community,” said Pinto.
Villagers strongly opposed large housing developments, particularly those involving more than 12 flats with swimming pools. Many were worried that such projects would increase the island’s population density, straining resources and altering the village’s character.
One villager said, “We fear that declaring Divar a tourism village will lead to overcrowding, loss of the village’s peaceful character, and harm to the environment. The pressures tourism could place on our infrastructure, as well as the potential damage to our traditional lifestyle and natural beauty, are major concerns.”
“These big projects are not suitable for our small village,” said another resident. “We want to preserve Divar as it is—calm, peaceful, and connected to its roots. We oppose large-scale housing developments that disrupt our way of life,” he added.
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