The slogan “Chalo… Marna–Siolim” must now be raised to save the village of Marna–Siolim, as the time has come for people to come together and discuss the alarming situation unfolding there.

Across the state, protests are currently taking place on various issues, particularly against the spread of mega projects in several villages. While there are concerns about how permissions for such large projects are being granted, an even bigger worry is that these developments may drastically alter the identity of Goa’s villages, which are known for their unique cultural and natural character.

Anyone wishing to understand the gravity of this situation should visit Marna–Siolim. Construction activities that have begun at the foothills of the hills are enough to make any true Goan uneasy.

Thousands of vehicles pass daily through the Marna–Siolim stretch via the Mapusa–Ganeshpuri route. Earlier, this area was peaceful and known for its natural beauty. On one side were lush forests and green plateaus, while on the other side stretched fertile fields. At the foothills stood old traditional houses on both sides of the road, and one could only imagine how beautiful life must have been for the people living there.

However, over time the real estate lobby turned its attention to this region. Initially, five-star villas were constructed, followed by commercial complexes, and now the entire hill stretch from Marna to Siolim is surrounded by large-scale construction projects. Hoardings announcing major developments have appeared along the roadside, and rapid construction is underway.

Surprisingly, there appears to be little strong opposition at the local level to this so-called development. Discussions do take place in gram sabhas, but the villagers do not seem to have awakened to the seriousness of the issue. The influence of the builder lobby and the political support backing it has made it difficult for locals to assert themselves. Environmentalists and social activists also appear to have largely ignored these developments.

During the recent Zilla Panchayat elections, some candidates did raise this issue. Independent candidate Premanand Mandrekar tried to bring attention to the matter. However, the election results suggested that when voters become blindly loyal to political camps, issues like these fail to receive the attention they deserve.

Marna–Siolim falls within the Siolim constituency, represented by MLA Delilah Lobo. Support for the real estate lobby from Michael Lobo and Delilah Lobo is not new. Although Delilah Lobo occasionally speaks in the Assembly about mega projects, the construction activity currently taking place across the green hill plateaus paints a disturbing picture.

It is difficult to imagine what the situation in Marna–Siolim will be like in the next five years. This part of Bardez taluka appears to have fallen significantly under the influence of real estate developers. It is important to examine what exactly the local panchayat is doing and how these permissions have been granted.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that a carrying capacity study of Goa’s villages has been commissioned through an institution. However, the real question remains whether this village will survive in its present form by the time the report is released.

The ongoing construction at the foothills could, in the future, create a disaster-prone situation similar to what happened in Wayanad in Kerala. Although local residents are raising their voices, their concerns rarely reach the corridors of power.

To save Marna–Siolim village, it is now time for people to unite under the call: “Chalo… Marna–Siolim.”