Gating communities
If the spectre of communism haunted Europe during the period of Karl Marx, a
different kind of spectre,people's activism at the village level, is
tormenting real estate developers in the state. Four villages - Carmona,
Benaulim, Siridao and Aldona - have independently arisen in recent weeks to
question proposed mega-housing projects in their areas. Residents have
formed action groups to voice their concern at unusually well-attended Gram
Sabhas and other meetings, and compelling their village panchayats to take
note of their apprehensions.
This kind of activism in these four villages has led a few conspiracy
theorists to accuse some residents of 'manipulating' Gram Sabhas to oppose
mega housing projects, even though the projects were 'cleared' with all the
different statutory authorities. These critics conclude that the proponents
of this kind of activism seek to use the Gram Sabha - which they say is a
consultative body - to usurp the powers of the duly elected and therefore
representative panchayat.
The fact is that villagers have a legitimate right to feel apprehensive
about mega-housing projects or gated communities in their areas. This is no
Goa-specific phenomenon; it is being echoed worldwide. Gated communities
cater to a specific class only, promising its affluent members a
paradise-on-earth; an enclave with a scenic sea or river view, 24-hour water
and electricity supply, pool, clubhouse, security and other exclusive
amenities. Some gated communities even include supermarkets and restaurants.
In Goa, many feel that these projects take shape surreptitiously and are
cleared with great haste, leaving little or no time for locals to grasp
their implications. Not all plans and projects are transparent. In many
cases, hills are razed and groundwater is tapped for the promised 24-hour
water supply.
Massive amounts of power and water could be drawn from village resources to
satisfy these gated communities. And when the existing power transformers
are unable to handle the load, housing projects will simply turn on their
auxiliary power generators, leaving the hapless Aam admi to fight with the
linesmen to restore power supply.
Apart from the physical resources, gated communities can also threaten the
social fabric of an area. Our villages are known for their inclusiveness and
social cohesion; resources are maintained, shared and enjoyed relatively
equitably by locals. But gated communities are by definition exclusive,
insulated and private; with 'we-need-villages-but-not-the-villagers'
attitude.
It is only fair that locals want to be informed and involved when gated
communities are proposed in their villagers. In this regard, those planning
gated communities should be asked to adopt procedures similar to couples
that plan to get married. Panchayats can display the plans and invite public
scrutiny and objection, if any, to any proposed housing project, within a
reasonable time limit. Besides ensuring transparency in local bodies, this
approach could help the builders gauge the pulse of a village before they
set up their project. If necessary, the panchayat should call a Gram Sabha
to endorse the approval, so that there is no controversy later.
But quite apart from this, there is another, more awkward, issue. There
cannot be a buyer unless there is a seller. In many cases, villagers, and
officials of local comunidades and religious institutions, are willing to
part with properties, ignoring the larger interest. Elected representatives
and authorities are only too happy to legitimise housing projects. Don't
blame only builders. Sometimes, the enemy lies within.
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