Azossim-Mandur Panchayat Stands Firm Against Railway Station

11 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Azossim-Mandur gram sabha has vehemently opposed the Konkan Railway Corporation’s (KRC) plan to set up a railway station at Neura, citing severe environmental and agricultural concerns.

During the meeting, members unanimously passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of the project, as Sarpanch Prashant Naik assured that the panchayat would formally communicate its opposition to the authorities. The twin villages, forming part of Goa’s extensive khazan land, stretch from Agasaim and Neura to Corlim and Carambolim. Residents fear that the project’s proximity to Dongorim at Mandur could significantly impact local livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem.

AAP leader and activist Ramrao Wagh warned that the project threatens farmers' sustenance and the region’s khazan lands, which hold immense ecological and cultural value. He alleged that the railway station plan could be a ploy to establish a coal hub in the area. Panch member Francis Po also urged locals to rally against the proposal.

The meeting also saw heated discussions over the controversial granting of an emergency house number (EHN) to a registered company in Mandur. Wagh pointed out that while EHNs are typically reserved for individuals in dire need, this particular allocation benefited a structure on an 80,000 sqm plot designated as natural cover (forest).

He further revealed that the site lacks proper access, yet the electricity department sanctioned a three-phase connection, allegedly costing lakhs. The company, he claimed, is now using this connection to push for land conversion, which could threaten the integrity of surrounding forested areas.

Sarpanch Naik stated that the panchayat might revoke the EHN, citing misleading information provided by the applicant. A notice will be sent to the concerned party seeking further clarification.

The gram sabha also deliberated on reports of miscreants causing disturbances near Mandur church at night and concerns over damage to a natural spring in Azossim due to an ongoing project. The panchayat assured action to address these grievances.

The Azossim-Mandur gram sabha has vehemently opposed the Konkan Railway Corporation’s (KRC) plan to set up a railway station at Neura, citing severe environmental and agricultural concerns. During the meeting, members unanimously passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of the project, as Sarpanch Prashant Naik assured that the panchayat would formally communicate its opposition to the authorities. The twin villages, forming part of Goa’s extensive khazan land, stretch from Agasaim and Neura to Corlim and Carambolim. Residents fear that the project’s proximity to Dongorim at Mandur could significantly impact local livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem. AAP leader and activist Ramrao Wagh warned that the project threatens farmers' sustenance and the region’s khazan lands, which hold immense ecological and cultural value. He alleged that the railway station plan could be a ploy to establish a coal hub in the area. Panch member Francis Po also urged locals to rally against the proposal. The meeting also saw heated discussions over the controversial granting of an emergency house number (EHN) to a registered company in Mandur. Wagh pointed out that while EHNs are typically reserved for individuals in dire need, this particular allocation benefited a structure on an 80,000 sqm plot designated as natural cover (forest). He further revealed that the site lacks proper access, yet the electricity department sanctioned a three-phase connection, allegedly costing lakhs. The company, he claimed, is now using this connection to push for land conversion, which could threaten the integrity of surrounding forested areas. Sarpanch Naik stated that the panchayat might revoke the EHN, citing misleading information provided by the applicant. A notice will be sent to the concerned party seeking further clarification. The gram sabha also deliberated on reports of miscreants causing disturbances near Mandur church at night and concerns over damage to a natural spring in Azossim due to an ongoing project. The panchayat assured action to address these grievances.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..