Calangute Residents Demand Transparency in Road Expansion Plans Amid Tree Removal Concerns
A significant civic concern has emerged in Calangute, where local residents are vehemently opposing the proposed felling of mature trees for a road widening project from Dolphin Circle to Bhodkovodd junction. The Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has formally complained to top government authorities, asserting that no official road alignment plan has been submitted or approved for this critical infrastructure development. This lack of transparency, coupled with the environmental implications of tree removal, has ignited a debate about sustainable urban planning and the accountability of development initiatives in the popular Goan coastal belt.
The contentious issue stems from an assurance given by a local representative approximately a year ago, during a site inspection with CCF members, that a detailed road alignment plan would be shared for public scrutiny. Despite this promise, no such blueprint has materialised, fueling suspicions and strong opposition from the CCF. The forum maintains its long-standing stance against the indiscriminate cutting of trees for road expansion, advocating for a more judicious and environmentally conscious approach to infrastructure upgrades that respects the ecological balance of the region.
The CCF has firmly reiterated its opposition to both the road widening and the associated tree felling, emphasising the paramount importance of adhering to proper legal procedures for land acquisition. Their demand highlights that land owners and, critically, the tenant farmers whose livelihoods depend on these lands, must receive due and fair compensation in accordance with established regulations. This insistence on equitable compensation underscores the human impact of large-scale development projects and the need for a gender-neutral and fair process that protects all affected stakeholders.
The proposed road widening, without a transparent and approved alignment plan, raises significant environmental concerns in a region renowned for its natural beauty and ecological sensitivity. Mature trees play a crucial role in maintaining local biodiversity, mitigating carbon emissions, and providing essential ecosystem services, including soil stability and microclimate regulation. The removal of such green cover, without a clear compensatory afforestation plan or a scientifically determined necessity, directly conflicts with the principles of creating zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban environments.
Moreover, the absence of a detailed project plan impedes public consultation, a cornerstone of equitable urban development. Local communities, who are the primary users and guardians of their immediate environment, have a fundamental right to be informed and consulted on projects that directly impact their surroundings and quality of life. The current situation in Calangute suggests a bypass of this essential democratic process, leading to a breakdown of trust between the administration and its citizens regarding developmental priorities.
The broader implications of such uncoordinated development extend beyond immediate environmental damage. Haphazard infrastructure expansion without comprehensive planning can lead to unforeseen ecological disruptions, exacerbate issues like urban heat islands, and diminish the overall aesthetic and natural appeal of the area. For a tourism-dependent region like Calangute, preserving its green spaces and natural charm is not just an environmental imperative but also a significant economic one, influencing its long-term viability as a desirable destination.
The Calangute Constituency Forum’s firm stance underscores a growing demand for responsible governance and sustainable development practices across the state. It highlights the necessity for public authorities to prioritise comprehensive planning, environmental impact assessments, and genuine stakeholder engagement before embarking on projects that irreversibly alter the local landscape. Ensuring that development proceeds with transparency, accountability, and a deep respect for both ecological integrity and community rights is fundamental to building resilient, liveable, and equitable cities for future generations.
