Growing construction activity and the rise of enclosed residential developments are increasingly reshaping the ecological and social fabric of Goa’s villages, according to architect Evanthika Pereira. Speaking at a session hosted at the Museum of Goa, she presented findings from her research on Socorro village, mapping visible changes from the late 1990s to 2025.
She noted that the pace of transformation has accelerated significantly in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with construction activity becoming one of the most visible markers of change across village landscapes. According to her, while construction is often perceived as a sign of development, this understanding remains limited, as development encompasses broader aspects such as education, human resources, and ecological balance.
A major shift highlighted in the study is the transition from traditionally open and interconnected village layouts to increasingly enclosed and gated developments. High compound walls, gated entries, and private layouts are redefining how spaces are accessed and shared. This shift, she explained, has reduced public access to common pathways and land, affecting both daily life and traditional practices. Children, for instance, no longer have the same access to open roads and fields, while farmers face restricted or altered access to their land.
The study also draws attention to the growing strain on natural resources, particularly water. Goa is already facing a water deficit, and the rise of private consumption, including amenities such as swimming pools, is contributing to increased pressure. She emphasised that the issue lies not in the presence of such amenities but in the privatisation of shared resources, which limits equitable access and impacts surrounding ecosystems.
Changes in land use patterns and the consolidation of plots are further contributing to higher density construction, altering the scale and functioning of villages. These developments are placing additional demands on infrastructure, raising concerns about the carrying capacity of these areas. She explained that carrying capacity refers to whether a village can sustainably support the level of resource consumption and population growth it is experiencing.
Despite these challenges, she pointed out that planning frameworks and regulations already exist to manage growth effectively. The key issue, she said, lies in implementation and local-level decision-making. She stressed that the future of Goa’s villages will depend significantly on the choices made by residents and stakeholders, highlighting the need for responsible development that balances growth with ecological sustainability.
The discussion underscored the importance of rethinking development models in Goa, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of shared spaces, environmental health, and the cultural identity of its villages.
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