Taleigao's Urban Sprawl: A Ticking Time Bomb of Unchecked Development
Once a serene village, Taleigao is now grappling with severe water shortages, contaminated water supplies, and poor waste management due to rapid, unregulated urbanisation. Residents fear the worst is yet to come.
UrbanisationReal EstateWater ContaminationSewage TreatmentInfrastructureReal EstateMay 17, 2025
Speaking to O Heraldo, Dattaprasad Naik, a Taleigao resident, expressed growing concern over the rapid urbanisation of the area. While initial roadworks were welcomed as necessary improvements, it has now become evident that these were merely precursors to large-scale real estate projects, many of which, he alleged, have been approved without adequate planning for basic infrastructure.
'Will the government continue to issue construction permissions without ensuring basic amenities are in place?' Naik questioned. The challenges faced by residents are severe, including shortages of drinking water, inconsistent electricity supply, and poor waste management. Several housing societies receive no piped water and rely solely on water tankers. The absence of a local garbage treatment facility means all waste must be transported to Saligao.
A particularly disturbing development is the contamination of water in parts of the village. This problem persists even as a new sewage treatment plant has recently commenced operations, serving merely around 15 percent of the Taleigao panchayat area. Residents fear the implications of future sewage treatment facilities if the current one already presents such issues.
Naik also took aim at the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), accusing it of granting questionable permissions and jeopardising agricultural land in the village.
Cecille Rodrigues, another resident, voiced similar concerns. She believes that public officials should prioritise sustainable development and safeguard the welfare of villagers, yet what she sees instead is 'destruction.' Rodrigues recounted that her housing society had gone without water from the Public Works Department (PWD) for the past 40 days due to sewage contamination. 'While tankers are being arranged, this is not a sustainable solution. These incidents are becoming more frequent,' she said.
New constructions, she explained, are often approved without connections to the PWD water supply—an unpleasant surprise for many property buyers. She noted a worrying drop in groundwater levels due to over-extraction, erratic power supply, and worsening pollution in the Taleigao creek. Additionally, residents have been frustrated by roads being dug up without any prior notice—a sign, she said, of disorganisation and indifference from both departments and elected representatives.
The unregulated sale and conversion of agricultural land was another key concern for Rodrigues. 'If citizens are expected to follow the rules, shouldn’t elected representatives do the same?' she questioned. She reflected sadly on how lifelong residents are now struggling with basic necessities like water. 'And when problems arise, the MLA is nowhere to be seen,' she added.
Rodrigues warned that unless residents unite and demand change, the village could soon face disaster.
Devidas Amonkar echoed these fears. 'Taleigao is being turned into a city without any proper plan. It’s become a concrete jungle. There are no proper amenities. Basic facilities are missing,' he said.
Francis Coelho, another local, was even more scathing. 'For the last 20 years, one family has ruled the constituency, and now it’s in shambles. Construction licences are handed out without any consideration for the village’s carrying capacity. Twenty years ago, the population was 20,000 to 25,000. Today, it’s between 40,000 and 45,000 as per the voter list—but the actual figure is closer to 90,000 to 1,00,000.'
He asked, 'If the population is so high, where are the proper amenities? There must be a steady electricity supply, drinking water, sewage treatment, and proper garbage disposal—but nothing is done. In fact, sewage is being discharged into agricultural fields.'
Taleigao is located at the tail end of the water supply line from the Opa Water Treatment Plant, he explained. 'By the time the water reaches Taleigao and Dona Paula, the pressure is too low.'
Coelho also criticised the state of the sewage system. 'Eleven years ago, the sewage line was planned. Work began—but it’s still incomplete. Now, sewage ends up in fields, wells, or the sea.'
Power supply issues are also frequent, he said, citing blackouts during their recent feast. 'Voltage is inconsistent. Transformers don’t function properly. We’ve raised these concerns repeatedly, but our MLA seems only interested in winning elections.'
'Taleigao is a mess because of our elected representatives,' he concluded. 'Once, this village was a green paradise with countless trees. There’s a saying, 'Where there’s a will, there’s a way,' but that doesn’t apply to Taleigao. The MLA has no interest in preserving agricultural land. Massive buildings with hundreds of flats are coming up in these fields. How is this being allowed? Who is giving the permissions?'
Coelho further argued, 'The process of buying and selling land should be made more difficult, but instead it’s being facilitated—especially by the MLA and his family. This benefits the real estate lobby. Just recently, water contamination was discovered in some wards. Bacteria were found, and the PWD had to stop the water supply. They issued notices to residents, demanding that repairs be done at their own cost. It felt more like a threat than a solution.'
He continued, 'Buildings with 200 to 300 flats are coming up in nearly every ward. Who will provide them with water and electricity? Where will their sewage go? And let’s stop blaming migrants. These flats are being bought by wealthy families and rented out. Builders are investing crores. Recently, two new high-end buildings were cleared, with flats costing Rs 4.5 to Rs 5 crore. Where will their sewage be released? If it’s dumped into agricultural land, won’t landowners be forced to sell or convert it?'
Xavier De Almeida, a farmer and social activist, criticised the one-directional nature of Taleigao’s so-called development. 'It’s all geared towards the real estate business,' he said. He has raised the issue repeatedly at gram sabhas, suggesting fines for anyone—rich or poor—found releasing sewage into fields.
'I proposed a committee with the Sarpanch, Secretary, and health officials to inspect complaints and penalise offenders. Fines can start low, then increase over time, even leading to disconnection of water supply. But none of this is happening. They’re only interested in votes,' De Almeida said.
'In many areas, raw sewage is being openly discharged, contaminating drinking water. Is this what we call development?' he asked. 'Construction is being encouraged in every corner. When the issue is raised, authorities blame the Town and Country Planning Department or the Planning and Development Authority.'
De Almeida believes this blame-shifting is disingenuous. 'We all know the decisions are taken in one person’s office. There’s a clear conflict of interest—the ministry, municipal corporation, planning authority, and panchayat are all controlled by one family. Why have a panchayat if it can’t take decisions?'
He called for an immediate halt to all construction permissions in Taleigao. 'The population has already exceeded the village’s carrying capacity. Even the groundwater table is depleting rapidly—and it’s getting contaminated.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns of Taleigao residents?
Residents are concerned about water shortages, contaminated water supplies, poor waste management, and the lack of basic infrastructure to support the rapid urbanisation.
Why is the water supply in Taleigao unreliable?
The water supply is unreliable due to the village's location at the tail end of the water supply line from the Opa Water Treatment Plant, leading to low water pressure and frequent shortages.
What is the impact of unregulated construction on the environment?
Unregulated construction is leading to the depletion and contamination of groundwater, increased pollution, and the conversion of agricultural land into concrete structures.
Who is responsible for the current state of Taleigao?
Residents and activists blame the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), local elected representatives, and the real estate lobby for the current state of Taleigao.
What solutions have been proposed to address the issues in Taleigao?
Proposed solutions include fines for releasing sewage into fields, the formation of a committee to inspect complaints, and a halt to all new construction permissions until proper infrastructure is in place.
Related News Articles
Rustomjee Group Unveils Luxurious Residential Project in Mumbai
Rustomjee Group, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, launches 'Rustomjee 180 Bayview', a premium residential project offering luxurious living experiences.
Investment Opportunities Abound in Jammu and Kashmir
Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of J&K, invites Maharashtra industrialists to invest in the region, citing attractive offers and a changed scenario after Article 370's scrapping.
Luxury Housing Demand Skyrockets in India's Major Cities
India's luxury real estate market is witnessing a significant surge in demand, driven by economic growth and evolving consumer preferences. High-net-worth individuals are leading the charge in major urban centers like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Macrotech Developers Snags 45-Acre Land in Gurugram for Rs 110 Crore
Mumbai-based Macrotech Developers, renowned for its Lodha brand, has made a significant land acquisition in Gurugram, further solidifying its position in the Indian real estate market.
Maharashtra CM Oath Ceremony: Highlights of Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar Taking the Oath
Experience the historic moment as Devendra Fadnavis takes the oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, joined by prominent leaders Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The ceremony was conducted in Marathi, symbolizing the strong cultural roots of the state.
Kajol Expands Real Estate Portfolio with Retail Space in Mumbai’s Goregaon
Kajol, the celebrated Bollywood actress, has added to her real estate portfolio by purchasing retail space in Mumbai's Goregaon. This strategic move highlights her growing interest in the commercial real estate market.