Reis Magos Residents Fear Landslide as Villa Construction Continues
Residents of Reis Magos village are concerned about the safety and environmental impact of a large-scale villa project, fearing a potential landslide and water scarcity issues.
Reis MagosVilla ConstructionLandslideWater ScarcityEnvironmental ImpactReal EstateJun 22, 2025
The residents' fear is compounded by the fact that residential homes and buildings stretch for over a kilometre along the riverfront directly below the hill. Villagers are apprehensive about the extensive construction on the partly lateritic soil, which is known to be fragile. They are particularly concerned about the massive retaining wall being built, which they believe will add significant pressure to the already unstable hillside.
To add to their woes, the construction of 62 villas, each with an individual swimming pool, is expected to put additional strain on the village's already strained infrastructure. The village is already reeling under drinking water scarcity during the summer months and faces irregular water supply.
Activist Advino Fernandes has been vocal about the issue, stating, “I complained to the TCP Department regarding the fraudulent sale of 332 square meters of land belonging to the Comunidade of Nerul by M/s Reis Magos Estate Pvt Ltd to the previous Blue Coast Infrastructure Development Ltd to secure access to the Phase I project of bungalows.” Fernandes and his supporters have challenged the Sanad issued in 1994, arguing that it was granted for construction within one year and that the project area being so large, an environmental clearance is essential.
Fernandes also noted that after their complaint, a site inspection was carried out by the local Talathi, who confirmed the hill cutting activity and the construction of a retaining wall. “Digging of the hill went even 12 meters deep in some areas to reduce the gradient, though the TCP Department did not register any details of this despite an inspection in 2012. The hill was dug at various spots during the last couple of decades and more,” he said.
Sidhesh Govekar, a local villager, expressed his concerns, saying, “We are apprehensive of the major construction activity on the partly lateritic soil. The huge wall will also load and pile pressure on the fragile hillside. My house is situated near the project, and we face the imminent danger.”
Jonathan Crasto, another villager, pointed out the water scarcity issue. “I do not know from where the company will fetch huge quantities of water. We face water scarcity during the summer season and are forced to rely on PWD water twice a week, released late at night. The company has already dug bore wells, and we are experiencing a change in water taste. The water table in the village is also depleting. The villagers are yet to realize the severity of this problem.”
When contacted, a company official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “We have obtained all permissions for the construction of 62 bungalows. We have resolved all the issues and were not issued any stop work order. We have dug only three bore wells as we require water for gardening and landscaping.” When asked how the company would manage the large quantities of water needed for the swimming pools and other requirements, the official said, “We have paid crores of rupees in infrastructure tax to the government for the ground-level reservoir, including the laying of pipelines.”
The property, originally under Survey No. 87/1 and 86/1, spanning 1,50,615 square meters, was owned by M/s Reis Magos Estate Pvt Ltd. In 1994, the company converted the hilly land into a settlement zone. Around 2008, DLF’s M/s Delanco Home & Resorts Pvt Ltd and M/s Bhamini Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd acquired a portion of the property under Survey No. 87/1 from Blue Coast Infrastructure Development Limited.
Construction of bungalows began a few years later, facing stiff objections from villagers and support from the then Leader of the Opposition, late Manohar Parrikar. The work ceased after the TCP Department forwarded a complaint to the Department of Vigilance, which started an investigation.
In 2012, the Navy raised security concerns about the project on the hill, but work continued. In 2020, DLF secured approvals for the construction of bungalows and commenced work. However, in 2022, DLF requested the cancellation of these approvals, instead obtaining permission from the TCP Department to develop about 50 plots of various sizes (1,200 square meters). The incomplete structures were subsequently demolished.
The company has asserted that all necessary approvals have been obtained, including an EIA (silver grading) from the Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change on September 12, 2008. Permission for hill cutting was issued by the TCP Department on November 20, 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the residents of Reis Magos village?
The main concern of the residents is the potential landslide due to the extensive construction on the fragile hillside and the impact on the village's water supply.
What is the scale of the construction project in Reis Magos?
The project involves the construction of 62 villas, each with an individual swimming pool, on a partly lateritic soil hill.
What steps have the activists taken to address the issue?
Activists have filed complaints with the TCP Department and challenged the Sanad issued in 1994, arguing that an environmental clearance is necessary for the project.
How is the water scarcity issue affecting the village?
The village faces water scarcity during the summer months and relies on irregular water supply from PWD. The construction project has exacerbated this issue with the digging of bore wells.
What permissions has the company obtained for the project?
The company has obtained all necessary approvals, including an EIA (silver grading) from the Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change and permission for hill cutting from the TCP Department.
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