Tuem, Pernem: A fresh controversy has emerged over the proposed Ravindra Bhavan project at Tuem (Survey No. 46/0), with the Harmalkar family raising objections over an alleged overlap of their ancestral leasehold land and seeking urgent intervention from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Members of the Harmalkar family, including Shyam Namdev Harmalkar and Anand Harmalkar of Harmalkarwada, Tuem, have claimed that a portion of the land identified for the project falls within their alvara holding measuring 63,768 square metres. The land, locally known as Pokharbagkadil Tali, is recorded in the name of their great-grandmother Janakibai Gopal Harmalkar. The family maintains that they have been in continuous possession for decades and have regularly paid foro dues.

According to the family, there is a serious risk that the proposed construction may encroach upon their leasehold property. They have already approached revenue authorities, requesting a proper demarcation of their land to prevent any trespass or overlap.

Despite these concerns, the foundation stone for the Ravindra Bhavan was laid on April 30 by Chief Minister Sawant, coinciding with the birthday of Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar. The family has also alleged that the Mamlatdar of Pernem has “mutated” the property in official records, entering the name of the Art and Culture Department in Form I & XIV.

In a formal objection letter, the Harmalkars have urged the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure protection of their property rights before any further development proceeds. Copies of the representation have been submitted to Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, MLA Jit Arolkar, the Mamlatdar of Pernem, and the Deputy Collector.

The dispute has cast a shadow over the long-pending Ravindra Bhavan project and has also revived concerns linked to earlier controversies in Tuem, particularly allegations of encroachment on alvara lands during the Electronic City project. Notably, that project—whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—continues to remain stalled.

The latest developments have intensified calls for transparency in land records and due diligence before proceeding with major public infrastructure projects in the region.