MARGAO: In a massive show of unity, hundreds of residents from different communities, social organisations and environmental groups gathered at Dando Ground in Benaulim on Saturday to oppose Section 39A. The gathering passed a unanimous resolution demanding that the provision be scrapped and all notifications proposing the conversion of paddy fields into Non-Development Areas (NDAs) be withdrawn.
The protestors pledged to intensify the campaign across Goa, stating that the movement was aimed at protecting the State’s agricultural land, ecology and traditional village identity.
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The public meeting witnessed participation from villagers, activists, environmentalists and local leaders, all of whom expressed concern over Section 39A’s potential impact on Goa’s paddy fields and other ecologically sensitive areas. Speakers maintained that agricultural land should retain its existing status and should not be reclassified under any new planning category.
Addressing the gathering, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas called upon people to unite in defence of Goa’s land and natural resources. He said the people had a responsibility to oppose Section 39A and ensure that it was withdrawn by the Government.
“It is our duty to come out and protect our land. That is why we must demand the scrapping of Section 39A,” Viegas said.
Referring to the legal challenge before the High Court, he said the court had questioned the government over its approach towards agricultural land. According to him, agricultural land enjoys legal protection, yet attempts were being made to change its classification by introducing categories such as NDAs and No-Development Zones (NDZs).
Viegas informed the gathering that over 500 objections had already been submitted against the proposal, while another 1,000 objections were ready for filing. He said the campaign aimed to collect nearly 5,000 objections and would soon be expanded to neighbouring constituencies, including Nuvem. He appealed to social activists across Goa to unite and transform the campaign into a Statewide movement.
He alleged that if Section 39A resulted in environmental destruction, responsibility would rest with both TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging the government to immediately roll back the provision.
Supporting the demand for the withdrawal of Section 39A, Senior Advocate Radharao Gracias urged people to remain united in their opposition, stating that only a cohesive public movement could compel the government to reconsider its decision.
He appealed to citizens across Goa to stand together to safeguard agricultural land and preserve the State’s environmental and ecological heritage.
Stressing that people from every section of society needed to stand together to safeguard Goa’s environment and agricultural heritage, social activist Santan Pereira said, “Only a united movement can protect our land and defeat Section 39A.”
Former legislator Laxshmikant Bandodkar claimed that Salcete had historically played a leading role in protecting Goa’s environment and expressed satisfaction at the large public response in Benaulim. He alleged that discussions regarding the creation of a third district reflected political considerations linked to Salcete.
Environmentalist Royola Fernandes highlighted the importance of preserving sand dunes, khazan lands, ponds, lakes and hills, describing them as essential parts of Goa’s ecological balance.
Stating that every village already had a development blueprint through the Regional Plan, she argued that future planning decisions should remain in the hands of local communities rather than outsiders.
“Open spaces are the lungs of every village, and Section 39A is a systematic way of destroying Goa’s unique village fabric,” she said.
Speaking on environmental conservation, Fr Eusico Pereira reminded the gathering that nature existed long before humanity and deserved protection. “Nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive without nature. Protecting what already exists is true development,” he remarked, urging legislators across party lines to oppose Section 39A.
Social activist Fidoll Pereira expressed concern over the felling of trees and the degradation of agricultural land.
She maintained that development should never come at the cost of environmental destruction and called for stronger action by local self-government institutions to safeguard village resources.
The meeting concluded with those present taking a collective pledge to continue their agitation until Section 39A is withdrawn and all notifications affecting paddy fields are reversed.
Organisers resolved to expand the awareness campaign to other parts of Goa, stating that the movement would continue until agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas receive lasting protection.
