PANJIM, OCT 30
Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Saturday said the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had flip-flopped on its four major demands (see box), one of them which included strictly “no-developments” in eco-sensitive zones, and as such it would start a campaign to bring about a change in governance as asserted earlier.
In a press conference called today, Convenor GBA Sabina Martins said the CM had skirted their four demands and had made no categorical assurance on any one. “Kamat says they are making a fool-proof Regional Plan 2021 in the interest of the people for the next 10 years, but we are interested in knowing when the count for the one decade will start,” she stated.
The CM replying to GBA’s memorandum of October 14 mentioned efforts were on to complete and release the RP in a phased manner and the first release was planned in November 2010.
However, the abhiyan appears non-convinced. Martins mentioned as per the status report on RP, two taluka plans of Pernem and Canacona have been sent to the State-level committee. The status of work for other talukas as shown by Government is not all that good and the finalisation of RP seems a far dream, she asserted.
She said what the GBA’s demand with the Government was till such time that the plan is ready issue an interim order calling for a freeze on any kind of development in eco-sensitive zones. The GBA is aware that in the RP 2001, which is now in force, some of the eco-sensitive zones are shown as settlement areas, but the RP 2021 bans any activity in these locations, she asserted.
When questioned how the GBA will bring about a change in governance, the GBA Convenor replied, “People will now have to ask their respective MLAs whether they were with them on the RP or else they would not vote for them in the coming assembly elections.”
Martins said the deadline set to meet the four major demands ended yesterday. “Assurances after assurances were made. People are fed up. We are demanding do it now, now is the time. The High Court has ruled no construction licenses be issued till basic infrastructure was in place but the authorities concerned are not bothered. This is contempt of court and we will not refrain from filing a contempt petition,” she warned.
Starting tomorrow (Oct 31), GBA along with village groups and other social organisations, will hold its first meeting in Tiracol in Pernem taluka to impress upon the people time was over for assurances and it was now time for action. The meetings will continue on November 2 (at Tivim), 3 (Benaulim), 4 (Chicalim) and 5 (Chandor).
