Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Feb 21: Villagers from Palem-Siridao staged an overnight protest outside the office of the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP), opposing the proposed and approved zoning changes under Section 39A of the TCP Act.

The protesters gathered at the TCP premises and refused to disperse, demanding the immediate revocation of the orders. Demonstrators remained at the site through the night, alleging that the land-use alterations would adversely affect their village and surrounding areas.

Tensions escalated late at night when an elderly woman participating in the agitation suffered a health emergency. She was rushed to Goa Medical College after her condition deteriorated, triggering concern among fellow protesters.

Despite the incident, villagers resumed their protest on Saturday morning, reiterating their demand for cancellation of the zone changes. They warned that the agitation would be intensified if authorities failed to respond to their grievances.

The protest reflects growing opposition among local residents to land-use changes carried out under Section 39A, with villagers demanding greater transparency and community consultation in planning decisions affecting their region.