In early 2012, when the results of Assembly elections were out, Goans felt that they could say good bye to agitations and relax a bit, with the BJP promising good, corruption-free, efficient and transparent governance and to undo the wrongs committed by the Congress. Nearly four years later, Goans wonder if this Government even understands the meaning of governance, leave alone transparency and honesty. It holds the dubious distinction of having faced much more protests than the Congress did. In its haste to make a quick buck at the cost of Goa and Goans, this Government has chosen to destroy Goa, its environment, ecological balance, water bodies, sand dunes, fields, hills, etc. and help builders and developers convert Goa into a concrete jungle. Ironically, it is this same BJP that, in a publication in 2010 targeting the Congress, had said that “the finalization of the Regional Plan is selectively done to favour builders and land sharks of the ruling party” Since the same Plan is now being offered to us, it is obvious that the only change is in the loyalties of the beneficiaries. Further, BJP’s Election Manifesto assured that “RP will be scrapped and a new one drawn with people’s participation in a transparent manner” and interim Governor had in his 2012 Address to the Assembly stated “My Government will denotify RP 2021 and formulate one in due consultation with all stakeholders… firmly believes in grassroot planning and participation of people in all developmental activities of the State”. Is there any dignity and integrity left in a Party that betrays people on promises based on which it surged to power and in a Government that does not abide even by the Governor’s address?
Development is surely needed, but it has to be sustainable and regulated. Bridges and broader roads at certain places may be required to smoothen the traffic but not for the sole benefit of builders and developers, which is the case, most of the times. Mandated rules and procedures, particularly those meant to protect us from nature’s fury, cannot be overlooked. Hence, Parrikar’s criticism of NGOs approaching NGT is surprising. Obviously laws are being violated or else there is no reason to fear the NGT. If regulations were not necessary, they wouldn’t be there and if they are not to be followed, why are they there? Parrikar perhaps thinks that as Defence Minister he and his Government are above all laws. A new bridge over Mandovi is perhaps now needed because Governments have been least bothered about our carrying capacity, which Parrikar himself claimed being saturated. Yet, this Government is bent upon increasing our load to change Goa’s demography and make financial gains on the demand for Goa’s scarce land.
It is for Governments to ensure the enforcement of all laws. But Governments in India are exceptions. They bypass all norms and regulations not only for public utility projects but even for private ones and the reason for the latter is anyone’s guess. Take Rahejas’ at Carmona. This Government did not lag behind Churchill in wholeheartedly supporting the project. Obviously Churchill had much to gain for he didn’t hesitate to call Goans pigs who grunt both when they are caught for domestication or slaughter. The project was strongly opposed by villagers, mainly due to its size, with over hundred, now reduced to 88 villas, flats, etc. anticipated demographic imbalance and environmental degradation. Recently, the TCP submitted the file to the Government with its favorable opinion. Firstly, the project has an access of only 3.5 mtrs excluding shoulders and drains, when a 6 metre road is mandatory. The report dt 2.6.11, signed by Michael D’Souza rejected prior environmental clearance in view of “large scale soil excavation within No Development Zone (NDZ)” mangroves having been destroyed with probable intention of “subsequent reclamation of riverbank” which could result in “narrowing of river width and causing flooding during high tide or monsoons” forest tree species cut/burnt and proposed development not being in consonance with TCP guidelines. Yet, a 26.2.15 report contradicts the earlier one. Rahejas were fined for cutting 109 trees and were directed to plant 545 trees, but the order is not implemented. No wonder that people who could come in the way of such projects like Alina Saldanha and Nitin Sawant have been removed. Rahejas’ project is a classic example of how the rules are flouted to help the powerful. However, it is not surprising as Parrikar himself, then TCP Minister, had vouched for the Department’s dishonesty by stating that it would be empty if he had to curb corruption therein. Such are the credentials of the likes of Putturaju, James Mathew and others who for our shame and disgrace adorn the TCP in a regime that vowed zero tolerance to corruption.
Cosmetic development, doles and populist schemes may attract some people in Goa. But true Goans will stand up when their homeland is sought to be destroyed, especially through a flawed and totally unacceptable Regional Plan. I consider this Government anti-Goan and someone on the Facebook has rightly said that Parrikar by his actions has shown that he hates Goa. If he doesn’t, he must fulfill his assurances on RP. Let this Government not underestimate the determination and the power of the people and be warned that it will have to face much more than it has seen so far.
(The author is a retired banker)
