The recent move by the government to take control of ‘No Man’s Land’ in Goa has raised serious concerns amongst the people of Goa, with Opposition parties leading the charge. A key question being asked is: What does the government plan to do with this land? This uncertainty has led to widespread speculation that the government intends to hand over these lands to private developers, further fuelling doubts about transparency and fairness in governance.
The controversy surrounding the government’s intentions has deepened, especially in light of the findings of the V K Jadhav Commission, which was set up to investigate land grab cases in Goa. The Opposition claims that while the government appears to be cracking down on a few instances of land grabbing, it is also simultaneously facilitating the conversion of large areas of land into settlement zones, potentially for the benefit of powerful builders and developers.
This two-faced approach, taking symbolic actions against a handful of offenders while undermining local land rights, suggests a deeper, more concerning agenda.
One of the most glaring criticisms is that the government seems to lack any clear development plan for Goa. This is troubling, especially in a state where tourism forms the backbone of the economy.
While the government is focused on bringing in funds from the central government for infrastructure projects like highways and flyovers, there is little indication of a long-term vision. How will these infrastructure improvements contribute to sustainable growth in the tourism sector or other areas of the economy?
There seems to be no plan for sustainable growth of tourism sector, no strategic approach to ensure that infrastructure serves the people of Goa rather than the interests of a few wealthy developers.
This lack of vision is evident across other sectors as well. Protests against government policies have sprung up across the state, with people voicing their opposition to various mega projects. Every village seems to be raising concerns about projects that threaten their local way of life.
In places like Loutolim, residents have demanded the cancellation of controversial projects, like the one proposed in Sancoale. Similarly, in Velim-Cuncolim, a massive housing project has been met with fierce resistance from the locals. People in Tivim are fighting against a proposed private university, and in Old Goa, a campaign is underway to stop 12 projects that could endanger world heritage sites.
In some areas, land has been converted into settlement zones, without the knowledge of the people. For instance, a large area of land on the hill in Arambol, Bhatwadi was quietly changed to a settlement zone, opening the door for developers to step in and build luxury homes at the expense of the environment and the local community. This trend is not only alarming but also a clear indication that the government is failing in its duty to protect the interests of the common people.
The public’s frustration is evident as they take to the streets, use social media, and even resort to hunger strikes to voice their concerns. Yet, these protests seem to fall on deaf ears. People are forced to turn to the courts because they have lost faith in the government’s ability or willingness to address their grievances.
The government's primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of its citizens by overseeing fair and effective administration. However, the opposite appears to be happening, with allegations of corruption and favouritism running rampant within the government itself.
One striking example is the case of the State's Chief Secretary, who allegedly converted land in Aldona illegally and bought it for crores of rupees. When government officials themselves are involved in such dubious dealings, how can the public trust that their interests are being safeguarded?
In another case, an illegal road was constructed in Cavelossim for the benefit of cricketer Ashish Nehra, sparking a dispute between local leaders, including the sarpanch and the MLA.
These incidents highlight the stark reality that while ordinary Goans struggle to build homes for their families, outsiders are bending the rules and snapping up properties worth crores.
This disparity is fuelling growing unrest among the people, who are increasingly questioning where the government stands. Where are the elected representatives when the people need them most?
At the very least, Goans expect their representatives to protect their basic rights and interests. Unfortunately, it is becoming harder to find politicians in Goa who prioritise their constituents over money and power. Without a clear vision for development and a commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens, the government will only continue to lose the trust of the people.