Villagers Oppose Commercial Development of Sinquerim Hill
Candolim, 3rd February 2025 – Residents of Candolim, along with the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) and concerned citizens, are opposing the government’s decision to lease 3,00,000 sq. mtr. of Sinquerim Hill to The Indian Hotels Company Limited for commercial development.
The land, historically owned by the Communidade of Candolim, was acquired by the government for public utility purposes. Despite previous High Court rulings, Town and Country Planning Board reports, and multiple Panchayat resolutions rejecting development, the state government signed a supplementary lease agreement on 13th August 2024, allowing construction of an 88-room five-star hotel and clubhouse.
Locals fear that commercial development will open the doors for large-scale destruction of the ecologically and historically significant hill. The proposed zone changes and infrastructure commitments favoring private developers over local needs have further fueled public outrage.
Villagers are demanding that the government:
1. Reconsider the lease and protect Sinquerim Hill.
2. Uphold the original land acquisition terms, preventing commercial activities.
3. Develop a world-class botanical garden as an eco-friendly alternative.
4. Preserve the land for future generations without rezoning or conversion.
A public awareness meeting is scheduled for 5th February at 5:30 PM at Church Hall, Candolim, where further action, including a mass movement titled “Save Sinquerim Hill for the Next Generation”, will be discussed.
