Panaji/Pernem, April 30: The Directorate of Panchayats, Government of Goa, has directed the Block Development Officer (BDO), Pernem, to examine a complaint alleging illegal construction in properties bearing Survey Nos. 210, 211 and 212 at Mandrem village in Pernem taluka.

The complaint was filed by Philip Anthony Fernandes on February 12, 2025 before the Sarpanch/Secretary of Village Panchayat Mandrem, the BDO Pernem, the Director of Panchayats and the Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).

In his complaint, Fernandes claimed that illegal construction was allegedly being carried out in the said properties, which according to him fall within the CRZ High Tide Line area. He further requested authorities to verify whether the structures constructed in these properties had obtained permissions from the competent authorities.

Fernandes also stated that he is the Power of Attorney holder of Virgilio Gilberto Pinto De Carvalho, one of the co-owners of the undivided properties reportedly purchased by Maha Seer Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. He alleged that the transaction was carried out through one of the co-owners while keeping other co-owners in the dark.

Taking note of the complaint, the Directorate of Panchayats issued a memorandum dated April 30, 2026, drawing the attention of the BDO Pernem to the matter. The Deputy Director of Panchayats, North, Sanjana Bandekar, directed the BDO to go through the contents of the complaint and take necessary action as per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.

The Directorate has also asked the BDO to take action under intimation to the complainant and the office of the Directorate of Panchayats.

The complaint has now brought the spotlight on alleged construction activity in the sensitive coastal belt of Mandrem, where issues related to CRZ violations, land ownership and permissions from competent authorities are expected to be examined by the concerned departments.