Assagao Villagers Unite to Halt Unregulated Real Estate Projects
Residents of Assagao, Goa, are protesting against unregulated real estate development, which they claim is threatening their ecological balance and way of life. The Assagao-Badem Citizens’ Action Committee (ABCAC) has submitted a petition to the local panchayat to halt a suspicious road construction project.
Real EstateProtestAssagaoDevelopmentPanchayatReal Estate NewsJun 01, 2025
Under the banner of the Assagao-Badem Citizens’ Action Committee (ABCAC), over 60 villagers have signed a scathing petition warning the local panchayat against allowing a suspicious road construction project at Madungo-waddo, which they claim is a backdoor entry for real estate developers eyeing controversial land in Survey No 101/1.
“This road is not for the people of Assagao. It is for the builders. It leads to the very land that has been embroiled in a land grab scandal. We will not sit quietly as our village is sold off,” thundered Surendra Gad, convenor of ABCAC, in the petition submitted to the Assagao panchayat. The petition cites that the panchayat itself had earlier written to the Public Works Department (PWD), stating clear opposition to any construction of the road.
Despite this, work reportedly resumed in April – allegedly by the electricity department – under the pretence of providing access for a proposed mobile tower, triggering immediate protests from villagers as reported in The Goan in its April 23 edition. Residents recall a disturbing history associated with the disputed zone.
“That muddy trail is not just a path – it’s a crime hotspot. A rape and murder took place here years ago and the case remains unsolved. Now, instead of securing the area, they want to pave the way for developers?” Gad said, visibly furious. In a rare show of unity, the local sarpanch Hanumant Naik was forced to intervene under pressure from his constituents and halted the construction of the road in April.
But locals fear this is only a temporary reprieve. The villagers are also challenging the zone change of Survey No 101/1 from “natural cover” to “settlement”, approved under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act – a move they allege was done to benefit private real estate players.
“We vehemently oppose the zone change. Our land is not for sale, and our silence should not be mistaken for surrender,” the petition states. Just a year ago, the villagers of Assagao, united under the ABCAC, had successfully fought off another threat to their peace – a controversial nightclub proposal that sparked widespread outrage.
Through sustained and determined protests, the community forced the club’s promoters to abandon their plans and shift operations elsewhere, marking a significant victory for grassroots resistance in the village. Assagao may have once been known as a quiet village dotted with Portuguese-era homes and lush forests – but today, it’s becoming the symbol of a new movement: one where Goa’s villagers are saying “Enough is enough”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the Assagao villagers?
The main concern of the Assagao villagers is the unregulated and allegedly illegal real estate development that threatens their ecological balance and traditional way of life.
What is the Assagao-Badem Citizens’ Action Committee (ABCAC)?
The Assagao-Badem Citizens’ Action Committee (ABCAC) is a group of villagers from Assagao, Goa, who have united to protest against unregulated real estate projects and other threats to their community.
Why is the road construction project at Madungo-waddo controversial?
The road construction project at Madungo-waddo is controversial because villagers believe it is a backdoor entry for real estate developers eyeing controversial land in Survey No 101/1.
What action did the local panchayat take regarding the road construction?
The local panchayat, under pressure from the villagers, halted the construction of the road in April.
What is the significance of the zone change in Survey No 101/1?
The zone change in Survey No 101/1 from ‘natural cover’ to ‘settlement’ is significant because villagers believe it was done to benefit private real estate players, which they vehemently oppose.
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