log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY OCTOBER 12, 2024 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 18 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 115 Govt can now seize heirless properties 3 GOA Concerns after sunset at Sunset Point in Sanvordem 10 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INDIA Trains collide in Tamil Nadu, 12 coaches derail 12 SPORTS Hima Das receives clearance from NADA’s anti-doping appeal panel Cunchelim land scam exposes gaps in system, triggers public outrage FOCUS ON UNSCRUPULOUS INDIVIDUALS, ROLE OF GOVT AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA page 9 Goans in UK strongly connect, identify with events in Goa German-based Goan researcher looks for sustainable, novel energy carriers WEATHER >> Max: 27 C Min: 25 C Humidity: 88% his life savings in the process. The Cunchelim land scam has laid bare the organised nature of land frauds in Goa, exposing serious flaws within the administrative system. This case has not only highlighted how unscrupulous individuals take advantage of vulnerable citizens but has also raised questions about the authorities’ inability to curb this persistent trend. As land becomes an increasingly precious resource in the small State, such fraudulent activities are deepening public concern about the depletion of land and erosion of trust in governance. COMPLEX WEB SYSTEM FAILS The Cunchelim case revolves around a group of victims who fell prey to fraudulent land deals orchestrated by alleged conmen. While some of the accused have been identified by the victims, the case underscores a deeper issue: the system’s failure to protect ordinary people from such scams. "It's frustrating," said Priyanka J one of the victims. Houses on comunidade land in Cunchelim. Agnelo Pereira Corrupt system or sheer political play? MAPUSA: A growing number of people attribute these recurring scams to systemic corruption. “The entire system needs an overhaul,” said local RTI activist Jawaharlal Shetye. “The government claims it is taking steps to address these issues, but the reality is that land scams continue to thrive. There is either a lack of political will or complicity at some level. Either way, the people suffer,” he added. "We trusted the system, but it seems designed to fail us. How can the authorities allow this to happen repeatedly?" she asked. This sentiment reflects a Shetye’s sentiments are echoed by many in Goa, where public trust in land registration and monitoring mechanisms has eroded over time. Despite promises of reform, the government has yet to demonstrate a robust response to the rising land scams. Administrative oversight, such as proper verification of land documents and close monitoring of land transactions, seems to be absent or poorly enforced. growing perception among citizens that the administration is either complicit or too weak to take decisive action against land fraud. The scam in Cunchelim is not an isolated incident. Goa has seen a series of similar land-related frauds over the years. In each instance, the common man is left to pick up the pieces, often losing What makes the Cunchelim scam particularly complex is that both victims and perpetrators seem entangled in the scheme. Some of the victims have accused people they know personally, alleging that trust was exploited in the transactions. However, others argue that the victims should have exercised more caution. A local lawyer Adv Mahesh Rane said, "While the accused are undoubtedly at fault, there is also a need for people to be more vigilant in their dealings. Unfortunately, not everyone is well-versed in land laws, making them easy targets for fraudsters." Despite this, the larger question remains: How is it that the system, which is supposed to safeguard citizens from such illegalities, continues to fail so miserably? Goa’s land administration appears to be riddled with inefficiencies and corruption, making it a haven for those looking to exploit loopholes. >Continued on P10 18 Mapusa, Bardez go dry as supply cut ahead of Dussehra THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Several parts of Mapusa and other areas in Bardez faced water supply disruptions on Friday evening, just ahead of the Dussehra festival, following a breakdown at the Assonora Water Treatment Plant. Residents in multiple areas reported receiving little to no water, leaving taps dry and locals frustrated. An engineer from the Public Works Department (PWD) water division confirmed that an electrical fault at the plant had caused the disruption. The breakdown affected normal water supply to Mapusa and surrounding areas. The engineer further explained that they were unable to provide a definitive timeline for the restoration of services. "Only once the fault is rectified and water is pumped into the overhead tanks can we restore supply," he said, adding that work was ongoing to resolve the issue. The disruption has led to frustration among locals. Reshma Naik, a resident of Peddem, expressed anger, highlighting a recent statement by a minister who claimed Goa would be self-sufficient in water by 2047. "If our infrastructure con- WATER WOES „„Electrical fault at the Assonora Water Treatment Plant cause disruption „„Breakdown affects normal water supply to Mapusa, surrounding areas „„Engineer fails to provide timeline for restoration of services. „„Once fault is rectified, water will be pumped into overhead tanks tinues to break down so frequently, we will never achieve self-sufficiency," she said. Another resident, Milan Diukar from Duler, Mapusa, criticised the government for allowing such disruptions during important festivals. "It's frustrating when essential services are disrupted during our festivals. The govt should carry have audits of key infrastructure to prevent such issues," she said. PWD Chief Engineer Santosh Mhapne reassured public that efforts to fix the issue were underway, and supply was expected to resume soon.