KARSTEN MIRANDA
karsten@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: In recent weeks, the tranquil streets of Goa have transformed into arenas of passionate civic engagement, as residents from all walks of life unite in protest against a wave of mega projects threatening to reshape the State's landscape and identity.
The groundswell of public opposition, reminiscent of past grassroots movements, has caught many politicians off guard and is rapidly reshaping the discourse around development in this coastal paradise.
As a responsible paper O Heraldo has carried the people's voice and report their core sentiments
At the heart of the current unrest lies the controversial Bhutani Project in Sancoale, which has become a lightning rod for broader concerns about unchecked development and environmental degradation.
This Sunday’s candlelight vigil against the project saw an unprecedented turnout, with thousands of Goans standing shoulder to shoulder in a powerful display of solidarity.
These types of agitations have been replicated across the state, from Pomburpa to Old Goa, Reis Magos to Divar Island, as communities rise up to defend their homes, heritage as well hills and fields from projects coming up in these villages.
The simplicity and grassroots nature of these protests have proven to be their greatest strength, complicating matters for politicians accustomed to more traditional forms of opposition. Swapnesh Sherlekar, an activist noted, "The people of Goa are angry for many reasons. They are not hiding behind untraceable videos but showing their faces on the ground to make sure their voice is heard."
This direct approach has left many elected politicians scrambling to catch up, sensing the groundswell of support for what has become a truly people's cause.
The current wave of protests draws inspiration from successful movements of the past, such as the GBA's fight against the Regional Plan in the mid-2000s, the Carmona villagers' stand against the Raheja project, and the dramatic anti-double tracking railway protest in Chandor in November 2020. These earlier public stand-offs serve as a potent reminder of the power of collective action and have emboldened today's protesters to take a stand.
Sherlekar expressed elation at the rising public consciousness, saying, "The anger is also very much against the elected representatives who were elected to do good for the state and the public but are instead working for the real estate push that we can see openly in so many places via land conversions, amendments etc." This sentiment echoes throughout the movement, with many Goans feeling betrayed by leaders they believe have prioritized corporate interests over the well-being of local communities.
The protests have taken on a life of their own,
transcending party lines and traditional power structures.
As one veteran activist observed, "This is not about political parties or anyone who has vested interests but about a fight for protecting various parts of Goa by the people”.
This independence from established political entities has lent credibility to the movement and made it more difficult for officials to dismiss or co-opt.
Urban Planner Tahir Noronha, who has extensively researched public participation in Goa's development plans, highlighted the importance of these community-led movements in countering policy changes that threaten to alter the state's landscape. He pointed out that recent amendments by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department have primarily benefited large real estate corporations, converting natural, coastal, and agricultural lands to settlement areas in direct contradiction to stated sustainability goals.
The protesters' demands go beyond simply opposing individual projects; they are calling for a fundamental shift in how development decisions are made in Goa. "The consent of the public is paramount," emphasized Lorena Da Silva, from Salcete, "and for that the public has to be kept aware and not in the dark where they end up having very little time to respond properly."
This push for transparency and genuine public consultation has struck a chord with many Goans who feel sidelined by current planning processes.
The movement's strength lies not only in its numbers but in its diversity. Professionals, fishermen, farmers, and even senior citizens stand united, each bringing their unique perspectives and talents to the cause. This broad-based support has made it increasingly difficult for politicians to ignore or dismiss the protesters' concerns.
With each passing day, more Goans are joining the ranks of the protesters, recognizing that this is indeed a people's battle, to be fought and won by the people themselves. One thing is certain: the voice of the people has been raised, and it will not be easily silenced.