This is with reference to the article by José Maria Miranda titled ‘Has Goa exceeded its carrying capacity?’ (Herald dt 05.11.2016). This columnist contributes regularly to the columns of Herald and has been always highlighting serious and important issues haunting Goans and has also exposed the ill-deeds and the ill-treatment meted out to Goans by the Government in power.
The writer has rightly pointed out that Goa is a small state and that as it stands today it is overpopulated. Goa beyond any iota of doubt is overpopulated, not with Goan population but with migrants and immigrants from all over India. Goa has become a safe haven for criminals, goondas, drug peddlers, black marketers, etc. Government jobs are sold to non-Goans and Goans marginalised. This has not only changed the demography of Goa as often pointed out by Mr Miranda but has even almost redefined Goan culture. There is absolutely no control whatsoever on the huge influx of migrant population into Goa. This has put insurmountable pressure on our scarce resources especially the land which has been almost gifted by the Government to non Goans in exchange for a few permanent votes.
Life in Goa has become most unsafe, both on the roads and also in our own homes not to mention of public places like beaches, etc with the government and the police playing the role of a silent spectator. Even our religious structures are not safe. Goa has become an open toilet and a huge garbage bin. This is a fact and a reality which stares us Goans in the face and thus cannot be denied.
The current BJP government on its part with a plethora of liars and a record number of U-turns is working very hard to destroy Goa in the name of development and pleasing the land sharks, the casino owners, the builders, etc. With the present dispensation Goans cannot see any silver lining amidst the consternation of dark clouds with the Damocles’ sword hanging over their heads. Ever since it was voted to power the current government has all along worked against the interest of Goans and betrayed the trust which was reposed at the time of the elections in 2012. Snake charmers they say die of snake venom one day or the other. The countdown to the elections in January 2017 has begun.
