I apologise for repeating what Floriano said that the Regional Plan was taken off the agenda. I had forgotten that I had read JoeGoaUK's brief report where he said that issue was discussed on the first day, not once but twice. As I see now, there was definitely no need for it to come up again on the second day. Maybe Aires and his ilk were unhappy that the issue wasn't discussed threadbare on the first day and, hence, wanted to bring it up again on the second day. I have taken a cursory look at the plan on www.savegoa.com. The plan envisages creating of townships, though I am not sure if these will be upscale. States such as Maharashtra and Hyderabad have many areas which had complexes for returning NRIs and also those who can afford the upscale lifestyle. There would be tourist-focussed areas. Among the effects mentioned are increase in migrant labour, ecological imbalance, concrete jungles, etc. Is it true that for a country or state to progress, development work should be done? The important part is that the plan should help the economic vitality of the state and also help strengthen the tourism sector. If the plan could help provide employment with a little sacrifice in terms of ecology and other environmental and social aspects, then it could be welcomed but with conditions. There was opposition to Zuari Agro Plant. It had some severe effects on the seawaters, but then after a good fight the issue was settled. Goan youth need jobs and should not necessarily run to the Middle East or on cruise ships. The RP should be subjected to a impact-report study and also scrunity by recognized and independent agencies. Those with better knowledge could enlighten us on the pros and cons of the plan. Goa has two groups, Save Goa Front, and Save Goa Campaign fighting for scrapping the plan. I would want them to provide alternative plans or amendments to the RP so that Goa's economic future is not jeopardized by those whose aim is to score political points.
Eugene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
