*Taleigao** **Residents** **Protest** **Land** Scam in Dona Paula 'IT Park'*
The Taleigao Residents for Appropriate Development (TRAD) took their opposition against the IT Park on the Dona Paula Plateau to the Goa Agenda 2008. Organized by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at Hotel Fidalgo on 26 April, 2008 the Goa Agenda 2008 focused on education to make Goa an IT state. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and IT Minister Mr. Dayanand Narvekar. Upon questioning, the resident-protesters pointed out that the project in Dona Paula has nothing to do with IT. Instead, TRAD members strongly believe that it is a scam to pass off almost 3 lakh square meters of prime property to real estate developers. Given the value of the real estate in question, they allege that the possible loss to the exchequer and the gain via corruption stands to the tune of nothing less than Rs. 500 crore. "We are not opposed to IT per se, but we oppose the unplanned schemes of the State that seem designed to benefit members of the Government rather than the people of Goa," said Jason Fernandes, law graduate and policy analyst; and spokesperson for the group. The protesters reported that, despite several requests, the Government has not provided any details regarding the Environmental and Social Impact Report that needs to be conducted for the project, nor the Project Proposal. "The Taleigao plateau is a residential area and is already facing huge electricity and water shortages, traffic congestion and garbage management problems. A high density project such as this 'IT Park' would destroy the area," lamented Cyanna Hoogewerf, a housewife and mother residing near the demarcated zone. The government has also apparently taken inconsistent positions regarding the provision of utilities to those companies allocated space within the alleged 'Park'. "We are afraid that this inconsistency is due to the lack of a clear project proposal in the first place." claimed. Mr. Annand Madgavkar, a Dona Paula resident and prominent member of the People's Movement for Civic Action. Experts indicate that given Goa's current human resource base, the IT industry in Goa would be better served through invitation of small and mid-size companies. There is, however, no provision in the current set up of the 'IT Park' to accommodate such companies, nor would this 'Park' be in a position to support Goan entrepreneurs in IT and ITES. TRAD is also concerned that the developments around the so-called 'IT Park' are occurring without adequate rehabilitation packages as required by the law being provided to the Project Impacted Persons who belong to various ST groups. Further, the residents expressed their dismay that, despite the ban on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the State of Goa, there is still no decision regarding the IT Park in Dona Paula, when IT Parks are deemed SEZs. They also pointed out to the unanimous resolution of the Gram Sabha of Taleigao Panchayat, passed on 19th December 2007, that demanded that that the 'IT Habitat being set up in Dona Paula be scrapped forthwith". In light of the above, TRAD and other residents have demanded the immediate denotification of the project area, and have vowed to keep up the agitation, until their legitimate demands are met. * * *Contact: *Annand Madgavkar, 9822100002, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jason Keith Fernandes, 9764324074, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ------------------------------------------------------- Read my thoughts at www.dervishnotes.blogspot.com
