From: b sabha <[email protected]>
http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Parrikar-rejects-suggestion-to-shift-DefExpo-to-Mopa/99443.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email [http://www.heraldgoa.in/images/fb-post1.jpg]<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Parrikar-rejects-suggestion-to-shift-DefExpo-to-Mopa/99443.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email> Parrikar rejects suggestion to shift DefExpo to Mopa<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Parrikar-rejects-suggestion-to-shift-DefExpo-to-Mopa/99443.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email> www.heraldgoa.in Says that suggestions for DefExpo could be taken up next financial year Parrikar rejects suggestion to shift DefExpo to Mopa Says that suggestions for DefExpo could be taken up next financial year By Team Herald | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:24AM IST A- A+ 0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Parrikar-rejects-suggestion-to-shift-DefExpo-to-Mopa/99443.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> MARGAO: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has rejected the suggestion to shift the Defence Expo to Mopa. On Sunday, Parrikar and other political leaders visited Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado’s residence as it was the latter’s birthday and then proceeded to the foundation stone ceremony for the renovation of the Shani Dev Temple in Mandopa, Navelim. Reiterating that it was for the State government to deal with the opposition to the DefExpo, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar brushed aside the demands made by GVP and NCP for it to be shifted to Mopa. He said that suggestions for the DefExpo could be taken up in the next financial year and it would be wise for those opposing it to send their suggestions after the DefExpo was over. His tone indicated that the opposition would subside after the opponents saw the Defence Expo and how it brought development to the State and the economy. He pointed out that all hotels had already been booked, providing a boost to the local tourism. Meanwhile, Orixtt Porjecho Awaz (OPA), which has been at the forefront of the DefExpo protests, has decided to hold its public meeting in Naqueri on March 6 at 3.30 pm after the government allegedly hampered its original plan to hold the meet on Sunday. OPA and United Goans Foundation (UGF) have also slammed Defence Minister Parrikar for his statements on the DefExpo issue. Responding to Parrikar’s statements at a press briefing on Sunday, OPA pointed out that if he knew the people of Goa very well, he would have taken them, especially the locals of Naqueri-Quitol, into confidence first. Reacting to the charge that only certain sections were opposing the project, UGF president Aashish Kamat said it was not the case and cited how the government was forcing an airport in the North and the DefExpo in the South against the wishes of the public and without disseminating information to the people. “No, we are not ignorant, but you definitely are ignorant thinking that Goans are naïve and shall get taken in by your pipedream of development. And yes, protection of Goan lands from people like you who sell Goa to anybody and everybody is our vested interest,” said Kamat. ======= http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email Sardesai slams Cong, BJP for treating Goa like a colony Large crowd attends Maad Yatra in Velim By Team Herald | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:23AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Sardesai-slams-Cong-BJP-for-treating-Goa-like-a-colony/99442.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> CUNCOLIM: Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the Congress, MLA Benjamin Silva, former MLA Felipe Neri Rodrigues and the BJP government while emphasising that Goa needed leadership that followed the demands of Goans only. Accusing the Congress and BJP of treating Goa like a colony and following instructions from Delhi, Sardesai launched a tirade against Independent MLA Benjamin for compromising on his principles to side with the BJP. “Just because it is the Grand Old Party doesn’t mean the party led by grandfathers will take Goa forward,” said Sardesai, while questioning the Congress’s silence as opposition leaders when the BJP State government had been destroying Goa with its decisions and policies for four years. Sardesai was speaking at the Lohia Chowk in Assolna as part of the Maad Yatra on Sunday. The public meeting was held after the rally that toured the villages of Velim. To reach Velim the yatra had to cross other constituencies in Salcete. Incidentally, the meeting was attended by a large crowd and it was a show of strength for Anthony ‘Babush’ Rodrigues. Recalling the efforts of Dr Juliao Menezes and Ram Manohar Lohia to fight for Goan identity, he pointed out that the State government was resorting to manufactured praise. “The government’s plan to use a tiatr contest to get participants to sing praises should be countered with songs on their U-turns and coconut betrayal,” said Sardesai, adding that the BJP government had betrayed the people of Velim and treated them like second-class citizens. “The government has withdrawn cases against BJP leaders like Manohar Parrikar and Rajendra Arlekar, but has absolved their leadership by failing to withdraw the case against the accused in the Velim church attack even after four years,” said Sardesai. He criticised Silva for failing to convince the government to drop the case. He also said that Silva had now understood the gravity of the situation and had apparently asked the Forest Minister to review the amendment declassifying the coconut as a tree. He said that the Silva had already sealed his fate and his actions in the Assembly had exposed him. “When the Porvorim MLA had asked that there be a division of votes on the issue of the amendment in the Assembly session to see who was in favour and opposing it, why was Benjamin silent then?” said Sardesai. He accused Felipe Neri of having double standards and recalled that when the latter was an MLA, he was forcibly removed from the Assembly house by Marshalls, but when the case went to the court, he had denied everything. “Velim needs a common man true to Goenkarponn,” said Sardesai, who was flanked by Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte, former Velim ZP member Anthony Rodrigues, Navelim ZP Cipru Cardoso and Goa Forward president Prabhakhar Timble. ======== http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email Won’t allow ‘Mini India Park’ in Quelossim: Alina VASCO: RDA Minister and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has reiterated that she will continue to oppose the ‘Mini India Park’ in Quelossim as the same had been proposed in a ‘no-development zone’. By Team Herald | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:11AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Won%E2%80%99t-allow-%E2%80%98Mini-India-Park%E2%80%99-in-Quelossim-Alina/99436.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> VASCO: RDA Minister and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has reiterated that she will continue to oppose the ‘Mini India Park’ in Quelossim as the same had been proposed in a ‘no-development zone’. “As per the rules, no project can be proposed or planned in a ‘no-development zone’. The area in which the proposed Mini India Park is planned is an eco-sensitive zone, surrounded with a large number of mangroves and natural habitat. I know that the promoters have been making attempts to get a backdoor entry, but I will never allow such a project in Quelossim-Cortalim nor will permission be granted to them,” said Saldanha. She was addressing the press after inaugurating her office in Cortalim. It may be recalled that the residents of Cortalim-Quelossim, at all gram sabhas, had raised strong objections to the Mini India Project. On few occasions, the villagers had also demanded an FIR against the promoter for allegedly destroying mangroves at the project site. Saldanha’s statement against the project will have high importance for the villagers. Meanwhile, Saldanha also disclosed that she would take up the issue in the forthcoming Assembly session in case it was tabled during the Zero Hours by any MLA. “I will definitely object to the project in the forthcoming Assembly session and I will request my colleague MLAs to take up the issue during Zero Hour,” said Saldanha. She also stated that the Cortalim market project would be completed in May. She said, “The market will be another major project in Cortalim constituency, fulfilling the promise given to my late husband in the Assembly election manifesto.” ===== http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email GenNext questions spending Rs 50 cr for temporary DefExpo Defence Minister Parrikar expects the four-day event to generate a turnover of about Rs 200 cr By Team Herald | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:11AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/GenNext-questions-spending-Rs-50-cr-for-temporary-DefExpo/99435.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> PANJIM: The controversy over the upcoming DefExpo at Betul does not seem to end with NGO GenNext raising questions over creation of infrastructure worth a whopping Rs 50 crore when the venue is temporary. “We would like to ask the Defence Minister (Manohar Parrikar) what type of infrastructure he and his team is creating worth Rs 50 crore at Quitol- Betul. If it's not a permanent venue why is such a big amount being wasted?” NGO vice president Anita Fernandes said in a press statement issued here on Sunday. The apprehension follows a day after Parrikar, in an informal interaction with the media, had estimated the amount for building the required infrastructure for the four-day event, while also expecting a turnover of about Rs 200 crore. GenNext had charged the union minister of ‘fooling’ the citizens of Goa as it apprehends the venue could be made permanent for hosting DefExpo. A delegation had recently called on Parrikar in Delhi when he had assured the event would be held this year and that the venue is not permanent. “Defence Expo is just almost a month away from now. He is a habitual U-Turn Master and we would not be surprised with another U-turn. BJP government has become arrogant and going against the wishes of the people,” she stated. Meanwhile, Parrikar had also clarified during the interaction on Saturday that his ministry was not interested to acquire any land in Goa even if offered free of cost. ====== http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email Education Dept to help schools attend DefExpo PANJIM: The Goa Education Department is open to move the State government with proposals, if any school wishes to attend the Defence Exposition 2016. The department feels the event could motivate the students to take defence as career. By Team Herald | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:10AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Education-Dept-to-help-schools-attend-DefExpo/99434.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> PANJIM: The Goa Education Department is open to move the State government with proposals, if any school wishes to attend the Defence Exposition 2016. The department feels the event could motivate the students to take defence as career. “We have not received any proposal so far. But if any school is interested to take its students to the event on any of the four days, they will have to write to the department. We will then forward the proposal to the government for an approval,” Education Director GP Bhat told Herald. In his recent interaction with the media, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had asserted that DefExpo at Betul would not only help scientists in the field but also offer engineering and local students a good exposure. He had even urged that educational institutions interested to be a part of the Expo, should apply to the Defence Ministry for an approval. Besides inspiring Goan students to enter the armed forces, a senior official said it would also benefit students to gain basic information of the defence equipment displayed at the venue. “No one will be allowed to touch any defence equipment or come in its close contact. At least one defence official will take charge of one group taking them to the stalls displaying the equipments. It will be an awareness trip for the students. We have ensured security in and around the area,” the official said. Parrikar is quoted as saying that Goans are not inclined to be soldiers but they are good officers as several of them are having brilliant career as officers of different ranks in the defence forces, right from military to Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. ======= http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email THE DIVIDE IS CLEAR In what appears to be weekly occurrence, the government manages to enter into one face off with the people of Goa. While the Chief Minister has put it down to vested political interests, Team Herald travels to the latest ground zero of a people vs government, flashpoint Betul from where SURAJ NANDREKAR & photojournalist GAURANG PRABHU file a pitch report By SURAJ NANDREKAR & GAURANG PRABHU | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:39AM IST [http://www.heraldgoa.in/images/expand-image.jpg] [THE DIVIDE IS CLEAR] A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/THE-DIVIDE-IS-CLEAR/99453.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power, it has been at loggerheads with the same people who brought them to power, which has resulted in several agitations, purely due to the government’s “care a damn” attitude rather than anything else. The party which came to power promising ‘parivartan’ and ‘acche din’ has failed to keep its promises and has taken several U-turns which has further upset the common man. After the maad controversy, the Defexpo scheduled to be hosted by the state at Quittol, Betul from March 28 to 31, seems to have taken centre stage now, with protests at the proposed site almost every day. The people of Quittol, Naqueri, Betul and surrounding areas are agitated because they feel that the event has been thrust upon them without their consent or taking them into confidence. A visit to the nearby areas by Herald revealed that the problem lies in issues which the locals have no clue about. Severina Fernandes, a local says that they have no clue what the Defence Expo is and how long it will remain. “We want to know from the government how long will it be here, whether it is permanent or temporary and how it would benefit us or the state,” she said. Another local, Ramesh Desai says, “We went to the police station, mamlatdar, deputy collector but nobody was in a position to give us any information.” Fr Eremito Rebello, who spearheads the Goa for Dabolim Only movement asks, “Why has the government waited till the last minute to hold a dialogue? Why not speak to the people and get their doubts cleared? Whatever is heard is only through the newspapers and nothing concrete comes from the government.” The priest was also agitated with the Chief Minister’s statement of getting people arrested for opposing the event, saying, “This is not anyone’s father’s property. Instead of finding a solution, how can he say that,” he asked. People feel the CM’s statement has come at a wrong time and has fuelled the controversy further as it was uncalled for. “We are living in a democracy and not a dictatorship,” Fr Eremito added. Defexpo is not the only thing the State has been thrusting on the people. The issue of declassification of the coconut tree and the electronic city in Panjim has also been forced upon them. COCONUT TREE The declassification of the coconut tree also saw a huge agitation only because the government just did not want to take stakeholders and the people of Goa into confidence. On the coconut tree issue, the government did not discuss it with anybody and just put the bill before the cabinet and got it passed. Thereafter, the amendment to the Goa Protection of coconut tree act was brought in the Assembly and was passed amidst the opposition walkout. All this was done just to promote a liquor manufacturing company, Vani Agro to set up factory at Sanguem. However, after facing criticism from all quarters, the government is now running from pillar to post to get the issue cleared fearing a backlash in forthcoming Assembly polls. Tuem Electronic City/ Tiracol issue The less we talk of the Tuem Electronic city as well as the Tiracol golf course cum resort, the better, as it defies all norms of logic. The government has flouted all rules to have its own way on the issue. While a poor farmer, Amarnath Naik has been robbed of his land in Virnoda, Tuem for the approach road of the electronic city, the tenants of Tiracol are now homeless due to the government’s unjust attitude towards the poor, only to promote corporates. =========== http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email WHAT’S IN IT FOR QUEPEM, MR CHIEF MINISTER? The big sales pitch for the DefExpo has been that it will boost tourism and benefit locals. SURAJ NANDREKAR does a cost benefit analysis and concludes that the locals of Quepem will indeed be shortchanged By SURAJ NANDREKAR | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:39AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/WHAT%E2%80%99S-IN-IT-FOR-QUEPEM-MR-CHIEF-MINISTER/99452.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that event would bring in revenue of about 100 cr to the state. But Herald found out that the locals would not benefit in any way from the expo as the land identified is an isolated place which has no hotels, restaurants, petrol pumps etc. Herald also spoke to the local businessman on whether they feel the event could benefit them but they had no clue. A local shopkeeper Shantaram Faldesai says, “we don’t know what would be the requirements of those people who would visit. “ Hotels The closest five star hotel to Quittol is in Cavelossim which is around 14 kms. Besides the inter-continental, which too is around 15 kms. Sources inform that besides five star hotels in Cavelossim and Canacona, the defence has also booked hotels in Margao. Restaurants The closest good deluxe restaurants are also at the same distance as hotels. Besides sources in the government reveal that the Defence has made special arrangements for food, water, soft drinks etc at the stalls for expo. TAXIS Locals here complain that there are hardly any taxis in the locality, there are a few but they are already attached to some hotels or the other. Sources say the Protocol department will make arrangement for taxis from a single taxi agency. PETROL PUMPS Even the closest petrol pump to the place is around 7 kms from Betul at Cuncolim. ========== http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email Never gave Betul land to real estates: Babu With MLA Babu Kavlekar joining the protests along with Orixitt Porjecho Awaaz, the voices have become louder. In a chat with SURAJ NANDREKAR, Kavelkar said that the land was acquired in order to get clean industries to the village, like at Verna which would help the village economically especially. But with the Defexpo, the MLA noted that the village would not benefit in any way due to the absence of key facilities like hospitality and transport around By SURAJ NANDREKAR | 29 Feb, 2016, 07:37AM IST A- A+ <http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#><http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#>0<http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Never-gave-Betul-land-to-real-estates-Babu/99451.html?utm_source=Email%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=email#> Herald: You have been leading the protest along with Orixtt Porjecho Awaaz. Can you just tell us the reasons for opposing it? Babu Kavlekar: First thing, the place was acquired for industrial purposes when I was the GIDC chairman. Along with Betul panchayat, all surrounding panchayats like Fatorpa, Morpirla, Barcem, Khola, and so also Quepem municipality, the devalaya committee and the comunidade took resolutions that there should be an industry here. Hence, we opposed it to bring industries here. I have taken the pain of getting the roads done, brought a water line spending Rs 17 cr from Selaulim. Our aim was to get non-polluting industries like Verna so that the local unemployed youth get employment. Herald: But during your tenure, the land was initially reportedly given for a food processing park and a real estate agent which you had to take back following a public protest. Isn’t it? Kavlekar: First thing, the land was not allotted at all. It was just a plan and if it was given, how is it still available and given to the defence. We had initially acquired land for a food processing park but some locals objected to it as it would create pollution and considering the sentiments, we dropped the plans of a food park and named it a general industrial estate. So to be clear that they are just allegations, I have never given it to real estates. The possession is still with the GIDC, so where is the question? It is just a false allegation. Herald: The Chief Minister says Defexpo will benefit locals as it will get revenue to the village. Your say? Kavlekar: Defexpo will not benefit local people in any way as there are no hotels, no taxis or no restaurants. How does the Chief Minister say it will benefit locals? Yes, it would benefit the coastal areas where there are five star hotels, restaurants etc but not here. Quepem taluka will earn nothing. Also, how much would the hotels too benefit in just 4 days. Herald: There are allegations that locals are not interested and only politicians are dragging them into agitation as said by the panchayats and communidade who have extended their support to the event. Kavlekar: It is the people who have started the agitation first and not me. I have extended my support. Also, people are opposing just because they don’t know what is happening. Whatever is learned is only through the papers. People want the government to come and explain the advantages and benefits and what exactly the defence expo is. Why did they not come to the people? Why wait till the last minute? Orixitt Porjecho Awaaz had started the agitation for the last five months but no dialogue has been initiated with them on the issue. Herald: Why did you not take up the issue earlier? Is it only due to the forthcoming elections that you are here now to support people? Kavlekar: I did not want to politicize the issue. The message should not go that since the ruling party is organising an event, the opposition is against it. Hence, I gave my support to OPA and the Betul panchayat which is fighting the issue and decided to take a back seat initially. =======
