PERNEM, April 18 -- Team Herald

A storm has erupted in Mandrem after the local panchayat approved proposals for the development of 90 luxury beachside villas, igniting opposition among villagers and raising eyebrows over an apparent shift in stance by local MLA Jit Arolkar.

The approvals, granted during a recent ordinary panchayat meeting, pertain to two substantial real estate projects and have sparked fierce criticism over potential violations of land use policy, zoning regulations, and water availability norms.

The controversy deepens as villagers point to MLA Arolkar's earlier public opposition to land conversions in non-development zones. The panchayat, dominated by his supporters, nonetheless cleared the projects, prompting alleg...