The spate of Mega housing construction taking place in Goa is destroying the very fabric of Goan topography, ecology, culture, tradition and harmony, and turning Goa into utter chaos. These mega-housing cater not to Goans, who can ill afford the prices, but to foreigners or outsiders who have money to launder which could well include terrorist organizations. Most of the builders are businessmen who are illiterate in the fields of engineering, architecture, ecology, sociology or law; they have available finance and follow business traditions and feel they have no liabilities once their goods are sold. During the Portuguese regime there were no builders, each one would build their own house, there was no flats system. And these builders are offspring of the erstwhile businessmen (known as possorcars) who have not done much for themselves in the field of education to follow the family business tradition. It can be derived that they are incapable of learning, as finance was not a hindrance for them; and with the environment with which they were brought up, all they see is profits. They believe money can buy everything. They will start work at site before obtaining licences, inconvenience the surroundings and general public, pollute surrounding areas with dust, noise, garbage, excrement, etc.(even in the middle of the night); illegally tap water & electricity resources and all possible illegalities. By business standards their profits are very high in spite of leaving aside a large chunk for greasing palms for the conversions, registrations, licences, etc. And the grease being of high quality the work is done immediately without even reading what is being signed. (Just like a hungry dog grabs food in mid-air). There are also others whose palms are greased should any objections or complications arise in due course until sold and full payment received (either in Black or White). These builders are not only a bane to society but have corrupted every department in Goa. The Government should sit down with the representatives of Goan Organisations and formulate concise Laws to regulate building activity. 1. Builders must possess professional qualifications and the ability to understand ecology & aesthetics; and Goan cultural background. 2. Registration & Licensing of Builders must be compulsory and annually. Outside State builders should not be permitted to build in Goa. 3. Any builder caught in the bribing of officials should be struck off. 4. NOCs must be obtained from the neighbouring plot owners and the concerned village panchayats after deliberation at Gram Sabah. (else it will be like the Complex coming up at Bardez next to the church which will have wide impact once occupied). 5. Any falsification, whether unintentional or oversight, should result in cancellation of the building license. 6. Discipline of prevailing Laws should be maintained. Will the Government do it? Or is the Government working overtime to device ways of checkmating these issues?
Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão. _________________________________________________________________ No Harvard, No Oxford. We are here. Find out !! http://ss1.richmedia.in/recurl.asp?pid=500
