Marie Fernandes
The word ‘development’ has become a curse word for Goa. The reason being that it only translates into ‘land grabbing’ by those in power, namely the politicians. Unfortunately, every political party or candidate speaks of it in their manifesto not knowing what kind of progress the people want or not. So beware, if your candidate speaks of working to bring about development for you, please read between the lines. Is it development which includes ploughing through your backyard for some unnecessary railway track? Cutting hills for building hotels (Mostly run by non-Goans) and housing complexes (again, mostly for non-Goans)?
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Development when combined with progress for the good of its people with the consent of the people is welcome, but when it is bulldozed on you with an ulterior motive and no compromises, it needs to be stopped right on its track. And what better way to do it then nipping it right in the bud when you cast your vote.
Politics and elections in Goa always revolved around land. Land for mining, land for construction, land for building monstrous bridges. Politicians would argue – ‘but this is for the good of Goa.’ Really? We need well maintained roads or rather tarred roads, not more express highways. We need proper water supply, not diversion of water (River Mhadei in question). We need more stress on the agricultural sectors, institutes and non-polluting industries to create jobs. We need eco-friendly sustainable development.
Our tiny Goa does not have much land to spare. Besides, its God-given natural beauty does not permit us to have monstrous structures popping up all over the place. Some would say that the population is increasing so we need buildings and bridges and railways. But is the Goan population increasing? In fact, it is just the opposite, our Goans are fleeing the land because Goa is no longer for Goans and of course there is no employment to fall back on. This is where we must truly scrutinise the word development.
Development for whom and for what? And will the increase in population ever stop? It all becomes a vicious circle. More buildings constructed results in more settlement and an end to our beautiful motherland. Then, will tourists visit? Then, will we have more non-Goans wanting to make Goa their home? I doubt it. The irony is that people want to settle in Goa because of its unique identity and natural beauty, little do they realise that the more land or apartments they purchase, the more they are contributing to destroying our lovely land.
Then there is the question of coercing people into accepting the development without we really wanting it. The people of Goa have been opposing projects left right and centre because they know what is good for them and their land, but it is all going to deaf ears because those in power want to grab a huge share of the pie while the common man remains with just crumbs.
So don’t be deceived by the word ‘development’. When you go to vote this Valentine’s Day, vote with a conscience and let your heart beat for Goa.
