PRATIK PARAB
pratik@herald-goa.com
SANCOALE: Amidst huge public and Opposition outcry, the passing of the buck continues over the conception of mega projects by converting non-development lands in Goa. Mega projects, conversion of eco-sensitive lands has started sprouting all over Goa. Projects that were opposed when the land was converted have begun construction.
However, new fires are being lit and along with the Opposition, even MLAs supporting the ruling dispensation are getting involved in opposing the environmental degradation.
The Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, said that the government is protecting the non-Goans and is giving rise to the bouncer culture, forcing people to live in fear.
“BJP Ministers are passing the buck claiming innocence in the conversion matter. It is this BJP government which has attempted to change the Town & Country Planning (TCP) Act. When the TCP Minister says that he has not given permission, who will take action?” asked Alemao.
On Tuesday, protests again erupted at the Bhutani work site, when Opposition MLAs, GPCC President Amit Patkar, South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes and locals went to the site to check on the alleged destruction done at the site. Locals have alleged that the illegalities that have been noticed are just a tip of the iceberg.
“The BJP government has facilitated the process of making corporates from Delhi crorepatis,” he added.
GPCC President Amit Patkar said, “It has been twelve and a half years the BJP has not fulfilled the promise that was made for creating a new Regional Plan. Now they are planning to have zoning plans to help their cronies like Bhutani and others,” he said.
Former Cortalim MLA and Environment Forests Minister Alina Saldanha has alleged that the zone was changed from private forest to settlement to help the developer.
“The villagers are suffering due to lack of water supply and basic amenities. How the permission for a 742 unit project given when there was is already a lack of basic needs,” she said.
Green activist Abhijit Prabhudessai, of Rainbow Warriors, said, “The situation in Goa has gone out of hand. There is no law and order for the big builders and developers. The big projects that are coming into Goa have originated from RP 2021.”
“Visit any government office, one will see there is no law. The Departments are following Ministers. All this is in contravention of democracy. Like 2006-07, the people will have to come out and agitate to save what is left of Goa currently,” he added.
South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes said “The failed Chief Minister will try to divide people but people will have to fight the battle.”
Quepem MLA, Altone D’Costa said that the protest is just a start. “I urge the Chief Minister not to take the people lightly. The world is looking at you.”