Team Herald
PANJIM: The villagers from Old Goa, Cumbharjua and Divar on Friday warned the State government of a major agitation, for granting permission for a project proposed near Monte Hill Chapel at Ella, Old Goa.
The villagers claimed that the land admeasuring 1.64 lakh square metres is an eco-sensitive area and just as government is taking action against Bhutani Infra project at Sancoale, they should stop this project promoted by the Enigma Properties, a non-Goan firm.
They said Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai had not uttered a word about the project, although he was a member of the TCP Board. The government should bring a law to stop sale of Goan lands by Goans, they said.
The villagers led by Samil Volvoikar, Goltim-Navelim sarpanch Mario Pinto, Sao Mathias sarpanch Supriya Tari and other panchayat members from Cumbharjua constituency submitted a memorandum to the Chief Town Planner Rajesh Naik, opposing land conversions under Section 39 (A) of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act.
Volvoikar alleged that the government was bringing amendments to TCP Act only to allow destruction of the State. Stating that Old Goa is listed as World heritage site, he said that the government has issued a notification only inviting suggestions and not objections. He feared that if 1.64 lakh sq mt land is allowed, then it will destroy the water bodies and the locality.
He said that the government was bringing piece-meal amendments only to convert properties and invite real estate. The government has started bazaar, he charged, and demand that the government should enact legislations to protect and preserve Goa’s small land mass.
Later, a memorandum signed by over 600 villagers was submitted to the Chief Town Planner (CTP) Rajesh Naik, demanding not to grant permissions to the proposed project.
Opposition leader dares CM to reveal names of
those connected to Bhutani Infra
PANJIM: Ridiculing the statement of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that ‘he is not connected with Bhutani mega project’, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday dared him to reveal names of those connected.
“Pramod Sawant is Chief Minister of Goa. He is not an ordinary person. If he is not aware of what is happening in his department and government then he has no right to sit on the top chair. If he has no connection with Bhutani, then he should tell who is connected with it,” Yuri pointed out.
“He (Sawant) is mocking the administrative process and people of Goa. If his government has not given permission to Bhutani, then who gave it? Are there any ‘ghosts’ (bhoot) recruited in the concerned department? Why and how the said land was removed from private forest? Who was behind it,” Yuri questioned.
The Opposition Leader alleged that the BJP government was converting lands in Bardez, Pernem and Bicholim talukas to benefit their crony capitalist friends. If these practices don’t stop, then no land will remain for Goemkars, he cautioned.
The government made tall statements about constructing ‘Konkani Bhasha Bhavan’ last year, but nothing concrete has been done, may be because there is no land left. It is tossing Goa Konkani Akademi from one place to another, instead of giving permanent premises, he said hoping that the government will not give the abandoned Goa Konkani Akademi premises at Patto-Panjim to the casino lobby, as this government was protecting and pleasing them.
The BJP wants to convert Goa into a casino hub and it is learnt that one more casino will be allowed in South Goa district. BJP has close relations with casinos and their MLAs are seen often visiting gala events at the casinos, Yuri said.
He demanded that the government renovate the GKA premises and make it a centre for Konkani publications, music and culture under the GKA.