------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------- PMCA demands public scrutiny of IFFI projects -------------------------------------------------------------- The People's Movement for Civic Action (PMCA) has urged the State Government to suspend works, if any, initiated as part of the infrastructure development of the city for the hosting of the International Film Festival India and has demanded that the government work out a consensus on the infrastructural requirements with experts and the citizens of this State.
In a communique to the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the PMCA has expressed concern over the lack of transparency of projects proposed to be undertaken by the government in view of the film festival to be hosted in Goa in November- December this year.
The PMCA has urged the government to submit the project plans to the public for a scrutiny and debate as it involves a major restructuring and upgradation of infrastructure in Panjim - the capital of Goa.
The projects involve the four-laning of the roads, the reclamation of Mandovi River, the expansion of the Dona Paula Jetty, the construction of a bus-stand at the Dona Paula Circle, demolition of the existing facilities at Kala Academy or Bandodkar grounds and many more.
The PMCA has drawn the attention of the chief minister to the fact that, the government can expect the wholehearted participation of the citizens in the mega event only if it takes the citizens into consideration and the consequences of the mega projects in Panjim.
While expressing concerns on the proposals for reclamation of 14 metres of River Mandovi and some part of the bay at Dona Paula, the Panjim-based NGO has expressed fears that this could have a serious impact on the future of the city and the lives of its citizens. "They need the studied consideration of planning and environmental experts and a concerted debate in public circles", says the letter to chief minister.
The NGO has also sought to know in what way the changes are going to impact the quality of life of the people of Panjim. Informing the chief minister of the two fact-finding committees constituted, the PMCA has urged the government to make the IFFI infrastructural plans and other information available for the scrutiny of these committees.
"A progressive government needs to take the public into confidence in matters of mega projects. This is not an unreasonable demand for a small and literate State like Goa,' reads the communique.
It also reads further, "We believe that the infrastructural changes proposed and sought to be imposed on in this manner are not necessary. These are neither in keeping with the tenor and size of our small city, and the expected participation figures for IFFI."
The NGO has drawn the attention of the government to more pressing problems that are needed to addressed immediately like water shortage in areas of Dona Paula, Ribandar and other parts of Goa, constant power failures, recurring malaria in Panjim and its suburbs, the lack of a sewerage system in Dona Paula, Caranzalem, Patto and Ribandar, poor garbage disposal systems all over Goa and the unhygienic condition of Goan beaches.
"For good governance and to ensure whole-hearted public participation, it would be far more pragmatic if the government utilised the time to work out a consensus on the infrastructural requirements with the experts and the citizens of this State and consider rescheduling the hosting of the film festival," reads the concluding part of the letter. --------------------------------- HERALD 24/3/04 page 3 ---------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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