*Pricing the priceless Reuben Sequeira, Chicalim *People opposing housing projects in the state are often deemed as rabble rousers and labelled anti-development. There has been name calling and accusations on both sides – that is, builders and politicians versus villagers and activists. It is common knowledge that most real estate deals in our state are accomplished through underhand deals. Neither the government nor the courts bother to deal with the numerous illegalities and violations unless the concerned parties are bigwigs with influence. Files go missing and so do government personnel as well as the infamous Sarpanchas and panchas whenever there is any objection raised. It seems as if everyone is harping about the value of basic infrastructure like housing, electricity and water supply. Take the example of a normal 2BHK flat in Goa, whose price ranges from Rs40 lakh to Rs3 crore depending on the location and amenities. What of the forests destroyed to create these concrete monsters? What of the wildlife displaced? What of the irreparable damage caused to our unique cultural traditions? What of the dilution of the Goan identity? Who is going to pay the price for this? What Goans need to focus on is the value of our culture, pristine beaches, verdant forests, wildlife, spirituality and humanity. We need to literally put a price on these priceless things and ask the government if they are willing to compensate us for them. If the prices of flats in Goa are any indicator, then, for a start, we should demand Rs1000cr as compensation for the destruction of our heritage village of Chicalim by the new mega-housing projects envisioning just under 2000 new flats sanctioned under the ODP through active collusion of the PDA and Panchayat.
-- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/
