Goa, Aug. 26 -- At an extraordinary gram sabha held on Sunday, Varca villagers resolved to block approvals for multi-dwelling housing projects and commercial expansions until a comprehensive carrying capacity study is conducted. The only exception will be for Goans building homes with up to four units.

The meeting presided over by Sarpanch Flavia Baretto along with the secretary and panchayat members drew strong participation from locals concerned about the strain of rapid development on the village's limited resources.

Explaining the risks, resource person Avinash Tavares said, "Unplanned growth will increase population density, pushing the area towards urbanisation. The density should ideally remain under 400 people per hectare. Other...