MARGAO, July 10 -- Residents of Davondem, Fatorda, on Thursday marched to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), demanding the cancellation of several proposed mega housing projects, alleging they would strain the village's limited infrastructure, worsen water shortages and alter its character.

The protest began at the site of one of the proposed projects and proceeded to the MMC office, with demonstrators raising slogans against what they termed "unplanned urbanisation." Police were deployed outside the civic body to maintain law and order.

In a memorandum, residents said they had opposed a proposed 294-flat project nearly two months ago but claimed more large housing projects were now planned in Davondem and nearby areas.

Addressing the...