We will be returning to our apartment in Siolim this October and during the time we have been away the coconut grove behind us has been sold. The new owner proposes to build on it if he can change the use of the land from Garden to Development. Apart from the terrible effect on the wildlife any building will interfere with the view of the owners who at present have an unobstructed view of the grove and the paddy field beyond. Has anyone any advice as to how we could either fight the case in court or involve any local environmentalist? The complex is mainly owned by foreigners and out of state Indians. Any suggestions would be welcome..thanks

Chris, just wondering which complex you are in - would it be Eva?
There are coconut groves around there and I was advised that 'who knows, one day they will probably be built on' just as when Villa Eva was built.

Hi Nelly..no its Villa Tina in Fernandes Vaddo..are you in Villa Eva?

Hi Chris, Yes I am. As I said, we are also unoverlooked and surrounded by greenery. The buildings go very close to the boundary walls and any development on adjacent land wouldn't be welcome - but unfortunately I do think that development in Siolim will be on the increase over the next 5 - 10 years.
Let's just hope it's later rather than sooner, for all of us.

If you try to fight the case, the best you will get is a stay order, which will halt the development, thanks to the slow legal system and corruption chances are it won't last for long, the builders usually win. To add to that you'll need a permanent resident to oversee things, most will not be willing.

Thanks Stefan..we are looking into it at the moment but so far no lawyer is interested in taking the case..

Hi

I did a google search and found the following two organisations that you could contact. Maybe they can help from an environmental point of view :

1. THE GOA FOUNDATION

Subject: Ecology and Environment; Marine, Coastal and Island Ecosystem (Corals, Mangroves etc.); Environmental Policy/Litigation; Waste Recycling/ Management
Contact Person: Dr. Claude Alvares, Executive Secretary
Address: G-8, St. Britto's Apts
Feira Alta, Mapusa-403507
Telephone: 0832-2263305 Fax: 0832-2263306 E-mail: [email protected]
Status: Registered Trust Nature: Non-profit
Mission: To help in the conservation of the environment, both in Goa and elsewhere; to undertake research to provide bases of action in public interest litigation.

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2. NIRMAL VISHWA

Subject: Ecology and Environment; Environmental Awareness Campaign, Environmental Litigation; Water Management.
Contact Person: Mr. K. D. Sadhale, Chairman
Address: Sarjotishi Colony
Khadpabandh, Ponda
PIN: 403401
Telephone: 0832-2312684 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Status: Registered Society Nature: Non-profit; Citizen's Action Group
Mission: Conservation of ecology, environment and heritage through awareness and activism, research and dissemination; developing and promoting clean alternate technology.

There are others too available on the page I looked at (http://goaenvis.nic.in/ngolist.htm ) but the above two I found to be the most relevant for your particular issue.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for all your hard work researching this..I have passed it to the Management Committee and I am sure we will be in touch with the agencies you have mentioned. I will let you all know how things progress. Thanks again. This is the true value of a Forum like this..

Silly question but have you spoken to the local panchayat and locals about this. Someone tried to build on a paddy field near us and it was the villagers and the panchayat who stopped it

Will check with the site Manager..thanks for the suggestion though as its sometimes the obvious that skips our minds..