Mud Sludge Threat Looms Over Odxel Residents as Inspections Continue
Residents living below the Odxel hillock in North Goa remain in fear of mud sludge entering their homes, following a recent incident that displaced a family. Inspections by officials have not yet resolved the ongoing threat.
Mud SludgeOdxelReal EstateNorth GoaInspectionsReal EstateMay 24, 2025
We were put in an alternative place by the administration for the night, a member of the family told The Goan, adding that the alternate accommodation was arranged at the behest of the local MLA and the panchayat. She said at least three of the houses there face the threat of sludge entering if it rains heavily, adding that she is unaware if the mud dumped atop the hill had been cleared.
Meanwhile, officials from the Panaji deputy collector's office and the North Goa Collectorate inspected the site atop the hill where a real estate project is coming up and mounds of rubble and mud have been dumped. The inspections were conducted on Thursday and Friday, but until Saturday evening, the mounds of mud which pose the threat of flowing into the homes at the bottom of the hill had not been cleared.
No official in these two offices were willing to comment on these inspections or their outcomes. The incident on Wednesday where muddy sludge entered the Sarmalkar household had triggered a huge confrontation at the site between local MLA Jennifer Monserrate and her rival Cecille Rodrigues of the Aam Aadmi Party when both reached there to attend to the residents. Rodrigues, who was accompanied by AAP leader Francis Coelho and others, alleged that she was physically pushed and abused by the MLA. She has filed a formal police complaint at the Panaji police station in which she has named Monserrate, Taleigao panch Sidney Barreto, and others.
The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the residents. Local authorities and real estate developers must work together to address the root causes of this environmental hazard and provide a secure living environment for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Odxel recently?
Muddy sludge entered the homes of several families living below the Odxel hillock, forcing them to seek alternative accommodation. The incident occurred late on Wednesday night.
Who are the local officials involved in the inspections?
Officials from the Panaji deputy collector's office and the North Goa Collectorate conducted inspections at the site atop the hill where a real estate project is coming up and mounds of rubble and mud have been dumped.
What is the current status of the mounds of mud?
As of Saturday evening, the mounds of mud that pose the threat of flowing into the homes at the bottom of the hill had not been cleared.
What led to the confrontation between the local MLA and her rival?
The incident where muddy sludge entered the Sarmalkar household triggered a confrontation at the site between local MLA Jennifer Monserrate and her rival Cecille Rodrigues of the Aam Aadmi Party.
What action has been taken by the residents affected by the incident?
The affected residents, particularly the Sarmalkar family, were provided with alternative accommodation by the administration. They have also raised concerns about the ongoing threat to their homes.
Related News Articles
Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa Faces POCSO Inquiry, Denies Allegations
The 81-year-old BJP veteran has denied allegations of sexual harassment and challenged the case in the Karnataka High Court. Time will reveal the truth, he says.
Integrating Petroleum Products, Electricity, and Real Estate into GST: A Step towards Economic Reforms
Newly appointed CII president Sanjiv Puri emphasizes the need to bring petroleum products, electricity, and real estate under the GST purview, alongside reforms to simplify capital gains tax and TDS provisions.
MahaRERA Introduces Project Grading System to Enhance Transparency in Real Estate
Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) launches project grading system to help homebuyers make informed decisions.
Purva Home Fest 2024: Exclusive Offers for Homebuyers in Mumbai and Pune
Puravankara, a leading real estate developer, announces the Purva Home Fest 2024 in Mumbai and Pune, offering exclusive benefits to homebuyers in the premium and mid-segment housing market.
Boosting Safety in Realty: NAREDCO and FSAI Collaborate for Enhanced Standards
In a bid to elevate safety standards in India's real estate sector, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI). This landmark partnership aims
Nilkamal Reports 30.27% Growth in Net Profit for Q2 FY25
Nilkamal, a leading furniture manufacturer, has announced a significant 30.27% increase in its net consolidated profit for the second quarter of FY25. The company's financial performance also saw a 5.44% rise in total income.