Bicholim, June 16: Social activist Swapnesh Sherlekar has lodged a formal complaint with the Salem Village Panchayat alleging illegal construction activities, including multiple structures and a compound wall, on land bearing Survey No. 216/1 of Salem village in Bicholim Taluka. The complaint names State Minister and Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho along with other landowners associated with the property.

According to the complaint, Survey No. 216/1 measures approximately 65,351 square metres and is recorded in the names of Mauvin Godinho, Maria Divina Godinho and Godfrey Lawrence as per Form I & XIV records.

Sherlekar has alleged that the land falls within a Cultivable Zone under the Regional Plan 2021, where construction activities are not permitted except for agricultural purposes. He contends that the structures and compound wall amount to an unauthorized change in land use.

The complaint further states that the property lies within the notified command area of the Tillari Irrigation Project, where construction activities are allegedly restricted to protect irrigation potential and agricultural sustainability.

Citing an RTI reply dated January 14, 2026, issued by the Salem Village Panchayat, Sherlekar claimed that no construction licence or permission has been granted for any structures or compound wall in Survey No. 216/1. He has alleged that the constructions violate provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, which require prior approval and licensing for development activities.

Another allegation made in the complaint concerns a road reportedly constructed by the Salem Village Panchayat and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) using public funds. Sherlekar has claimed that the road terminates at the compound wall and gate of the property and functions as a private access road rather than serving any public purpose.

The activist has urged the Panchayat to initiate statutory proceedings against the alleged unauthorized constructions, issue notices to the concerned landowners, and take action in accordance with law. He has also sought demolition of the structures if found illegal, restoration of the land to its original cultivable status, and a transparent inquiry into the alleged use of public funds for construction of the access road.

In his complaint, Sherlekar has warned that if the Panchayat fails to act within 15 days, he may pursue further legal remedies, including approaching the courts and filing complaints against officials and elected representatives for alleged dereliction of duty.

No response from Minister Mauvin Godinho or the Salem Village Panchayat was available at the time of filing this report.