RTI Reply from Fire Department Reveals “Information Not Available”; Residents Demand Transparency and Safety Compliance
Chandor, Salcete: Fresh concerns have emerged over the controversial residential villa project allegedly being developed by KK Construction in Cavorem village, Chandor, after an RTI reply from the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services revealed that no information related to the project’s Fire NOC is available with the department.
The reply, issued by the North Zone office of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Panaji, was furnished following an RTI application filed by local resident Atalie Barreto on May 8, 2026. The response dated May 19, 2026, has now intensified fears among villagers who have been opposing the large-scale development project in the heritage village of Chandor.
According to the RTI reply, the department stated that information regarding the following was “not available with this office”:
- Application for Fire NOC submitted by KK Construction
- Fire NOC approval or rejection order
- Inspection reports or site visit notes
- Approved fire safety plan
- Evacuation plan for the project
The RTI specifically referred to the proposed residential project “KK Cidade De Palm” in Survey No. 58/1 of Cavorem village, Chandor, Salcete Taluka.
Villagers allege that despite the scale of the project — reportedly involving multiple luxury villas and residential units — no proper fire safety clearance process appears to have been undertaken. Residents say the absence of Fire NOC records raises serious questions about compliance with safety regulations and procedural approvals.
Locals from Chandor have repeatedly voiced concerns over the rapid transformation of the traditional village landscape due to large construction projects. Residents claim the KK Builders development has already affected the surrounding environment, internal roads, drainage systems, water availability, and the overall peaceful character of the heritage village.
Several villagers have also expressed fears about increased traffic congestion, pressure on civic infrastructure, and possible risks during emergencies if fire safety systems have not been inspected or approved.
Community members allege that construction activities have continued even as important questions remain unanswered regarding statutory permissions and inspections.
The RTI response has now become a major talking point among villagers, with many demanding a detailed inquiry into whether all mandatory approvals were obtained before work commenced on the project.
Residents are expected to seek further clarification from planning authorities and other government departments regarding the legality, environmental impact, and safety compliance of the project.
The issue has once again highlighted growing tensions between large-scale real estate development and preservation of the traditional identity and infrastructure capacity of villages in South Goa.
Villagers are now calling upon the concerned authorities to publicly disclose:
- The exact number of villas proposed in the project
- All permissions granted
- Environmental and fire safety clearances
- Inspection records
- Compliance with local planning norms
The RTI reply signed by Bosco Ferrao, for the State Public Information Officer, North Zone, has added fresh momentum to the demands for accountability and transparency surrounding the project.