Gaonkaari
Panaji: A formal objection has been submitted to the Command Area Development Authority (CADA) opposing the proposed omission of land from the notified command area of the Tillari Irrigation Project in Dhargalim village, Pernem taluka.
Objection Against February 2026 Notification
The objections, filed by Swapnesh Sherlekar and Pravin Shetgaonkar, challenge a February 2026 government notification proposing to denotify over 3.34 lakh square metres of land from the irrigation command area.
The move is linked to a larger development proposal in the region, which has already triggered political and legal debate in Goa.
Matter Under Judicial Scrutiny
According to the representation, the decision taken during the January 7 meeting of the Command Area Development Board is currently under legal scrutiny.
The same land parcels are part of a pending writ petition before the Bombay High Court at Goa concerning a proposed casino-linked project.
The objection argues that altering the notified command area while the matter is sub judice is legally impermissible.
Allegations of Legal Violations
The submission alleges that the selective omission of land violates provisions of the Command Area Development Act, 1997.
It states that once a command area is notified, it cannot be arbitrarily altered to suit private commercial interests.
The objection terms the move:
- Ultra vires
- Procedurally invalid
- Contrary to the statutory mandate of integrated irrigation development
Concerns Over Misuse of Legal Provisions
The objection also raises concerns over the alleged misuse of provisions such as Section 21 of the General Clauses Act.
It claims that the move undermines the legislative intent of ensuring equitable water distribution and agricultural sustainability.
It further warns that excluding land for commercial projects, particularly a casino-related development, could:
- Compromise public trust
- Divert water resources meant for farming and drinking purposes
Impact on Tillari Project Objectives
Highlighting broader implications, the representation points out that the Tillari Irrigation Project is a joint venture between Goa and Maharashtra.
The project is designed to support irrigation and drinking water needs in North Goa.
Any deviation from its objectives, the objection argues, could have serious consequences for water security and inter-state agreements.
Ongoing Controversy Over Land Conversion
The issue comes amid an ongoing controversy over the proposed conversion of irrigated agricultural land in Dhargalim for an integrated resort project.
Critics allege that nearly 3.65 lakh square metres of protected land is being repurposed for commercial use.
Demand to Reject Proposal
The objector has urged authorities to reject the proposal outright, terming it arbitrary, unconstitutional, and against public interest.
