Curious case of two Laxman’s of Cuncolim Naik and Gavli

Was road resolution by Cuncolim municipality of 2025 in public interest or for Fish Meal?

Ex-Councillor Prof Laxman Naik answerable, curious case of two Laxman Gavli

By Staff Reporter

A recent resolution passed by the Cuncolim Municipal Council proposing land acquisition for a “public road” in Masconi has triggered a wave of questions regarding its timing, intent, and potential beneficiaries.

At the centre of the issue is a resident, Laxman Gavli, identified in the resolution as belonging to the Dhangar community and residing in the Masconi–Takaband area near the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.

A LONG-STANDING ISSUE — RAISED NOW

According to the resolution passed in 2025, a group of eight households in Masconi has allegedly been facing severe hardship due to the absence of proper road access for nearly 60 years.

The resolution states:

“With the permission of the Chairperson, Dr. Laxman Naik placed before the Council a proposal for land acquisition. He informed that the residents of Masconi… have been facing severe hardship due to the absence of proper road access for the last 60 years. The existing access is mainly used by Dhangars and paddy cultivators and is insufficient, especially during the night and monsoon season, posing safety and mobility challenges. Therefore, he suggested land acquisition and construction of a road through the Public Works Department.”

QUESTIONS OVER TIMING

The proposal was moved by former councillor Dr. Laxman Naik, a five-term representative who served nearly 30 years in office, including a tenure as Chairperson of the Cuncolim Municipal Council.

This has raised a key question among locals:

If the issue has persisted for six decades, why was it not addressed during his long tenure in office?

Why was no resolution or formal action taken earlier, particularly during his time as Chairperson?

Critics argue that the sudden urgency raises doubts about the underlying motivations.

ALLEGED LINK TO INDUSTRIAL PROJECT

The controversy has deepened with allegations that the proposed road may be linked to facilitating access to a second fish meal plant project in the area.

Available details indicate:

Proposed road alignment: Survey No. 341/1

Proposed fish meal plant location: Survey Nos. 339/0 and 340/1

Activists allege that the road could serve as a crucial access route required for regulatory approvals, particularly from planning authorities.

CONCERNS OVER PLANNING AND PROCESS

Critics suggest that the road proposal may not be purely for public welfare, but part of a broader strategy often seen in large-scale developments:

Creating access infrastructure to secure planning permissions

Addressing regulatory “gaps” through administrative routes

Leveraging public interest narratives to justify land acquisition

These concerns have led to calls for greater scrutiny of the proposal.

PARALLELS DRAWN WITH OTHER CASES

Observers have pointed to similar instances in Goa where infrastructure was allegedly created or proposed to facilitate future development projects.

One such case cited is from Benaulim, where:

A temporary road was constructed in a paddy field during a public event

Allegations emerged that it was intended to support future real estate development

Following public outcry, the structure was reportedly dismantled by local authorities

DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY

In Cuncolim, the issue has now reached the stage of formal inquiry.

Local activist Dr Jorson Fernandes has:

Filed RTI applications with the Cuncolim Municipal Council

Sought information from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department

The objective is to determine:

Whether due process was followed..The legality of the proposed road..The actual beneficiaries of the project

THE BIG QUESTION

As the matter unfolds, residents are left asking:

👉 Is the proposed road a long-overdue step to improve connectivity for local households?

👉 Or is it part of a larger plan to support a controversial industrial project?

CONCLUSION

With RTI inquiries underway and public scrutiny intensifying, the Masconi road proposal has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over development, transparency, and accountability in Cuncolim.

For now, the answers remain unclear—but the demand for clarity continues to grow.

📰 Further updates are awaited as official responses to RTI queries are received.