The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has raised significant environmental and regulatory concerns regarding the Acqua Eden project in Sancoale. In a letter submitted to the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), the GBA urged action under Section 7 of the RERA Act, requesting that the project be deregistered due to alleged severe regulatory violations and potential environmental harm. The project, which is managed by Parmesh Construction Company Ltd, has been the subject of multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and faces stiff opposition from locals and environmental activists.
Allegations of Regulatory Violations and Lack of Transparency
The Acqua Eden project, registered with Goa RERA, is under scrutiny by GBA for alleged irregularities that reportedly bypass necessary procedural and environmental clearances. The project is located at Survey No. 257/1 in Sancoale and, according to GBA, has already attracted over 220 investors. However, despite this interest, the developer reportedly has not been transparent about the PILs challenging the project’s legality, raising concerns about potential investor risk.
The GBA has criticized Parmesh Construction Company Ltd for failing to obtain all essential permits, including the critical environmental clearance. GBA convener Sabina Martins and secretary Reboni Saha stated that the lack of environmental clearance is a serious breach, given the ecological sensitivity of the project site. In a recent statement, the developer acknowledged that some permits had been obtained but admitted that environmental clearances remain pending—a fundamental requirement for such a large-scale development.
Environmental Concerns in a Water-Scarce, Ecologically Sensitive Area
The proposed development has sparked concerns among locals, primarily due to the environmental impact of constructing 685 pools in a water-scarce region. The GBA emphasized that the village of Sancoale already faces challenges in water availability, and adding such a high volume of pools could exacerbate these issues. The organization also pointed out that the area’s steep slopes, forest cover, and inadequate infrastructure make it unsuitable for a project of this scale.
The GBA’s letter to RERA highlights the lack of proper road access to the project site, which, combined with the developer’s alleged failure to disclose pending litigation, raises questions about both the environmental sustainability and the transparency of the project. According to GBA, the disregard for these critical factors endangers not only the environment but also the interests of the investors.
Call for Regulatory Intervention to Protect Environment and Investors
In light of these concerns, GBA has called on RERA to act swiftly in evaluating the potential impact of the Acqua Eden project. GBA’s request for deregistration under Section 7 of the RERA Act aims to prevent further environmental harm and safeguard public interest. Sabina Martins and Reboni Saha urged RERA to prioritize the interests of both the environment and the project’s investors, arguing that transparency and compliance with regulatory norms are non-negotiable for developments of this magnitude.
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This case illustrates the critical role of regulatory oversight in ensuring that real estate projects meet both legal and environmental standards, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. As GBA and local residents await RERA’s response, the Acqua Eden project serves as a focal point for the ongoing debate over sustainable development in Goa.