Team Herald
MARGAO: ‘Citizens for Democracy’ hosted a thought-provoking event to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday, where participants passionately discussed the pressing theme, ‘Bapu! Will our Goa Survive?’ Attendees were unanimous in recognising the urgent need for vigilance against various forms of fraud, particularly land fraud. They stressed the importance of protecting Goa’s agricultural heritage by advocating for a complete ban on the conversion and sale of agricultural land, especially in command areas. The resolution stressed that safeguarding these lands is crucial for the sustainability of local communities and the environment. Participants called on all Goans to actively engage in preserving their land rights.
The programme held in Fatorda attracted a large crowd eager to hear from a panel of distinguished speakers, including former minister Sadanand Malik, former MLA Adv Uday Bhembre, renowned environmentalist Claude Alvares, former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes, and Prajal Sakhardande.
Adv Uday Bhembre remarked that the government is elected by the people, and any governance mistakes reflect collective oversight by the electorate. He said, “This is the biggest setback in the State of Goa, a situation that can even be likened to a disease,” expressing deep concern over the recent defection of eight MLAs from one party to another. Bhembre highlighted that such actions undermine the integrity of the political system and violate constitutional law.
“This betrayal of trust erodes public confidence in elected officials and the democratic process,” he argued, calling for greater accountability and urging citizens to demand transparency from their representatives. Bhembre lamented the passive response of citizens to such violations, stating, “By allowing such actions to go unchecked, we are failing in our duties as members of this democratic country. Actually, people should have thrown stones at those MLAs, as a reflection of their anger.”
Claude Alvares remarked on the detrimental impact of unchecked land conversion for development on the environment and community, calling for stronger regulations to protect Goa’s natural resources. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to preserve the State’s unique landscape for future generations, stating, “The fight for land conservation is essential for the survival of Goa’s identity.” Alvares urged individuals to take a stand against illegal land practices and hold those responsible accountable.