Goa, June 26 -- Goa Congress President Amit Palekar has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the urbanisation notification that brings 56 villages across the state under the jurisdiction of Planning and Development Authorities (PDAs), alleging that the move threatens Goa's unique village identity.

Palekar said the notification could pave the way for rapid urbanisation and fundamentally alter the traditional character of Goa's villages. He urged the state government to revoke the notification and engage with local communities before implementing any such proposal.

Warning of political action, the Congress leader said the party would stage a protest outside the Panchayat Department if the notification is not withdrawn.

He maintained that...