KARSTEN MIRANDA
karsten@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Over the last couple of weeks, Goa has become the centre of a fierce battle between its people and the forces of unchecked development. As mega projects threaten to alter the very fabric of Goan society, locals are rising up in unprecedented numbers, their anger palpable in the salty air.
The Bhutani Sancoale project, is a massive construction endeavour that many Goans see as a direct assault on their way of life. But what started as a localised protest has quickly spread, engulfing the state in a wave of resistance against what locals perceive as the systematic destruction of their motherland, which they have vowed to protect.
Importantly, this is a spontaneous outburst of emotions, being spearheaded by ordinary common folk and not well known (though well meaning) activists.
“People will show their power not just by coming on the street as and when required, but also for the 2027 Assembly elections if their concerns and demands are not taken care of,” warns Dominic Noronha, a green activist from Sirlim. His words echo the sentiment of countless Goans .
From Old Goa to Sancoale, from the hills to the coastline, citizens are rallying against mega projects that threaten to devour their land, pollute their waters, and erase their cultural identity.
Orville Dourado Rodrigues, founder of Goencho Ekvott, paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Goa. “The impact of mega construction projects on a tiny State like Goa, which is largely dependent on other States for electric power supply, fresh vegetables, poultry, etc., and has limited sources of fresh water supply, is bound to lead to social conflicts,” he explains. Rodrigues urges locals to “rise as one against such ill-conceived mega multi-dwelling projects, and if need be even take to the streets to force our lawmakers to rescind unfair laws which were enacted by visionless politicians and bureaucrats without considering the long term negative impact on the day to day life of the citizens of Goa.”
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), points to the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) as a major culprit in the destruction of Goan villages. “Since 2016, when MPDA was approved in Sancoale, several mega projects have been approved by the authority without Sancoale having the basic infrastructure in place,” he laments.
Social activist Jose Maria Miranda emphasises the need for local input in development decisions. “Mega projects, which will change the social and physical structure of Goa and the exposures by whistle-blowers and protests all over, are bringing both the Government and its allies – the builders - to their knees. This is a welcome departure from our earlier casual and indifferent attitude.”
As the movement gains momentum, Goans are fighting not just against individual projects, but against a system they believe has failed them.
Senior advocate Clefato Almeida Coutinho emphasises “A total ban on building of slopes and total ban on filling of low-lying fields is a must.”
Iftiyaz Sayed, a human rights activist, accuses the government of pushing through mega projects without proper planning or consideration for natural resources.
He notes, “Concerned Goans all over Goa are raising objections for hill cutting, illegal land fillings, pollution, mega housing projects etc. This Government has no study of natural resources available to meet the needs of an ever-increasing load of population coming to Goa.”
As the conflict intensifies, there’s a growing sense that this will be a pivotal moment. David Aguiar, an environmentally-conscious resident of Colva, sums up the mood: “Our collective resistance is proof that we cannot allow unsustainable development at the cost of our environment and heritage.”
Aguiar further said, “The continuous disregard for public opinion has only fueled stronger movements, and history shows that the power of the people has overturned government decisions before. It will happen again if the voices of Goans continue to be bulldozed.”
As this David versus Goliath struggle unfolds, the spirit of Goa remains indomitable. The message to those in power is unequivocal – the will of the people cannot be ignored, and Goans will continue their fight to preserve their paradise for future generations.