*For favour of Publication* --
*GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN* 77, Defence Colony, Lane 4, Alto – Porvorim, Bardez, Goa – 403521 Tel :(Mob: 9767701245), E- Mail: *[email protected]* 7th Feb, 2010 * **PRESS NOTE* * * Goa Bachao Abhiyan convened a meeting of village groups affected by illegal development in Margao where it was decided to form a united front to address common issues grossly affecting people today. Major problems highlighted were of destructive large scale projects being rushed before finalization of the Regional Plan 2021 in contravention of the land use plans and desired FAR, and degeneration of Gram Sabhas where neither process nor system are followed despite resolutions as defined by the Panchayati Raj Act. The meeting was attended by representatives of Ganv Ghor Rakhan Manch, Chicalim Village Action Committee, Save our Slopes, Zagrut Raikaranso Manch, Carmona Citizens Forum, Keri Nagrik Kriti Samiti, South Goa Collective Peoples’ Voice, and villages representatives of Cansaulim, Chinchinim, Raia, Loutolim, Benaulim, Sancoale, Colva and Chimbel. Speakers included Sabina Martins, Annand Madgavkar, Aravind Bhatikar, Reboni Saha, Prajal Sakhardande, Geraldine Fernandes, Orlando Da Silva, Peter Gama, Vera Varghese, Croydon Medeira, Rui Araujo, Sheela Gracias, Ashley Fernandes, Swati Kerkar, Xavier Fernandes, Agnelo Furtado, Romaldo Carvalho, and Father Ermito. A shocking common factor was of fraud perpetrated by elected bodies by replacement of Village Plans duly submitted by the Regional Plan Village Committees and ratified at Gram Sabhas, with the result of dual maps being submitted to the Town & Country Planning Department. In the case of Raia and Cansaulim, despite the village opting for VP3, the document re-done and submitted by the panchayat bodies indicates VP2 or higher, allowing more built up area amongst other changes. It was agreed upon that the need of the hour was to be united and share information in the face of such corrupt forces and to protect what is left of the identity of Goa. Of the two methods of recourse, since courts prove beyond many peoples’ means the only option left was to take to the streets, a demonstration of people’s power. The key issues that emerged are three fold – 1 – The urgent need to complete the Regional Plan 2021 so as to protect the eco zones, the lifeline of Goa. 2 – That the Government enforce processes and put into effect capacity building in accordance with the Panchayati Raj Act immediately, to stop the encouragement of deliberate chaos. 3 – Not to allow the identity of Goa to be swamped by non-inclusive large scale projects. Groups committed to work together will be meeting next week in Panjim to plan further action. All concerned people and groups are invited to attend. Thanking You Reboni Saha - Secretary – Goa Bachao Abhiyan Tel: +91-9767701245 Visit www.savegoa.com -- Tel: +91-9767701245 Visit www.savegoa.com
