CALANGUTE: The villagers from Nagoa, Arpora, Parra, Calangute, Candolim and surrounding areas took out a peaceful rally on Monday afternoon to showcase their discontent against ODP, PDA, Draft CRZ 2018 and other environment issues.
The rally which was attedned by a crowd of over 1,000 people begun at 4pm from the Dolphin Circle opposite St Alex Church, Calangute concluded at the Dayanand Bandodkar’s Statue at Calangute Beach. People shouted slogans such as PDA/ODP Amka Naka, Drugs/Prostitution Amka Naka, Amchi Matti Amka Zai and Goenkarponn Amka Zai.
The rally was attended by school children, senior citizens, housewives, nuns, priests and others who gathered to fight for a cause and preserve Goenkarponn (Goa, Goans and the Goan identity).
Speaking to the gathering, Arturo D’Souza of Goenkars Against PDA congratulated the people for coming out in large numbers to protest against issues plaguing their villagers. He also felt that this fight is being taken up for the youth who are the future and who should in turn carry on this fight.
“We have seen what has happened in Kerala, how the low lying areas have got totally submerged, it is high time we wake up or our State may be next. The Goa government is only out to destroy but the people of Goa will decide their future in the next elections. Without taking the locals into confidence projects are being slated. According to me we do not even need such a government,” Arturo said.
The Founder of Goa Foundation, Claude Alvares said, “We can see that every area is going out of the hands of the Goans. We need to get together to oppose this to save something for our children. Of late we have witnessed people building houses in fields or even on the beach area. The government cannot do anything and hence the common people have to go to court”.
St Alex Church Calangute, Parish Priest Fr Polly Lobo appealed to the crowd that we should not allow a repeat of the disaster that occurred at Kerala and should stop felling of trees. He spoke about how drugs are easily accessible to the youth of Calangute. He also spoke about the other vices that are plaguing the village which need to be stopped to ensure a better future for the youth.
Activist, Rama Kankonkar while addressed the gathering stated that he was happy to see the restlessness of the people of Goa. “This fight is not against any political party or politician. These will come and go but Goenkarponn once gone will not come back. These people in power are only fooling the people of Goa,” he said.
The signatures of locals gathered at the rally were collected and a memorandum was prepared which will be submitted to the CM’s office as well as to the offices of other concerned authorities.
The rally was organised by the Social Action Team of Calangute Parish Council in collaboration with Centre for Responsible Tourism along with other Parish Associations and NGO’s.
