In response to Freddy Fernandes post - Mega project in Cansaulim which I read with interest, I must say I agree in general with his call to action and total war on the misguided and irresponsible governance and behaviour of Goa government. They have been challenged before and can be done again.
However Freddy , when you write and I quote: " Build a mass movement, choke the authorities and let them know that we Goans mean business and most of all, instill in them the fear, of a mass peoples movement, only then will they realize the true power of the people." Who exactly are you asking to build the mass movement? Are you going to be part of this movement? Will you help build the mass movement? The news of the action taken by tribals in Goa did really cheer me up and gave me some hope! They have shown us the way, and yes, the time has come to do something. But are you going to be there in the front line? I am ready but I am a goan woman. Don't know where all the men are.... Nevertheless, let's roll up our sleves and get down to it! .....but where is the leadership? I am serious! Carmen > We have all been hearing a lot about the illegalities in the approvals by the Panchayat bodies and the TPC, who are taking advantages, of the loopholes in our very porous system, in providing NOC's to mega housing projects, and with the amendment to the Panchayati Raj bill, these loopholes will only become open volcanic craters. Our politicians and bureaucrats are become masters in weaving their way through these illegalities. One thing that I was taught right from my childhood days was that, one must accept ones folly and strive to rectify it, at all costs and not expect others to do it for him or her. A lesson I still remember from my boarding days at Loyola. How long have we been haggling over these mega housing issues or other major deviations by our authorities ? Don't we have any solution to it ? It is we, who have elected these imbecile, and it is only we who can bring them to their knees. I know, people have tried a lot but, that has not been enough, and if we analyse our failures, we will find that, the people who want action taken, will greatly out number the people who take actions and therein lies the sordid reality. We want others to do it for us, the Goan mantra to save Goa falling flat on it's face. Yesterday we witnessed another reality, of what a mass movement or mass participation can do and believe me, it is the only option left for Goans to enact, it is the only language that our corrupt Politicians and authorities understand, and it is the only way we Goans will be able to move mountains, if not ranges. The major issues facing Goans are rampant illegal mining, mega housing, CRZ, lack of basic amenities like water and electricity and lot others. All the people from the length and breadth of Goa have been affected, aren't we Goans, men enough to fight for our right for survival ? Aren't we Goans men enough to keep our petty difference and egos aside and fight together for the future of our children and for Goa ? What we need is very simple and basic, a collective effort by every Goan, living in cities or in villages to fight for his or her right for survival only then will we be able to save Goa. Build a mass movement, choke the authorities and let them know that we Goans mean business and most of all, instill in them the fear, of a mass peoples movement, only then will they realize the true power of the people. We may have to suffer, there will be casualties but our cause should be far greater than any sufferings, we have to be ready for any eventuality. Words and tears will not deter our corrupt politicians, only our action of a mass movement will cause deliverance. Let's do it for ourselves and for Goa Freddy Agnelo Fernandes
