MAPUSA: Accusing the elected representatives of leading the people of Goa towards massive destruction of the state, Goencho Avaaz on Wednesday said that it is high time that people realise the need for a change and liberation from corruption and nepotism.
On the occasion of Liberation Day, Goencho Avaaz, an NGO, organised a public meeting at the Mapusa taxi stand, which was attended by people in large numbers. The NGO said this is truly a fight that every Goenkar needs to be a part of and unite for Goa’s second liberation.
At the meeting speakers enlightened the gathering on the issues plaguing Goa including the Assonora project, Outline Development Plan (ODP), food adulteration, healthcare, unemployment, tourism master plan, coal jetty, nationalisation of rivers, IT park, fresh elections and vested interest of politicians.
Goencho Avaaz co-convenor Capt Viriato Fernandes accused the elected representatives for leading the people towards a massive destruction of Goa. He spoke on the Sagarmala project, highways and nationalisation of six rivers in Goa.
“The leaders are doing whatever they want to sell our land and destroy our resources. They are fooling us in every manner. Let us do our bit to save Goa for the future generation. We still have time to protect the little part of our land that is there. This is our last chance to protect our land, air and water,” he said.
Arturo D’Souza of Goenkars against PDA congratulated the people for coming out in protest against the issues plaguing the State especially the ODP and PDA, which have been “forcefully” imposed on the people.
He stressed the need to carry out a reality check on the proposed Mapusa Down Town Scheme.
Dr Jorson Fernandes said, “Our air, water and food are polluted. If consumption of formalin to some extent is ok, then why is the Health Minister running around trying to check the fish? The ministers are only fooling the people of Goa. It is high time the people of Goa unite and strive to get liberated. Forget the Saligao Garbage Treatment Plant, now the time has come to set up a political garbage treatment plant,” he said.
Goencho Avaaz co-convenor Swapnesh Sherlekar speaking on the tourism policy planned for the state said, “It clearly indicates that the offshore casinos will be moved to the Chapora Bay.”
“The biggest nightclub spread across an area of over 30,000 sq mts will be set up in Bardez. The forts of Goa at Reis Magos, Tiracol, Chapora and Aguada will be converted into hotels. A golf course spread across 3,00,000 sq mts will come up in the vicinity of Mopa airport,” Swapnesh informed.
Eight resolutions were taken at the meeting which will be sent to the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice and Governor. Over 2500 odd people signed in favour of the resolutions.
Goencho Avaaz member Manoj Parab informed that by 2019 PWD water supply will be stopped. “The eight major lakes of the State are polluted. The Assonora water treatment plant which supplies water to entire Bardez taluka is not far behind with the 200 room project that is underway. We are going on to become modern slaves,” he warned.
