[Goanet] Re: *** In small Goa, big developmental projects constantly attract local protests
This was an interesting article by Pamela D'Mello... and I agree with her... especially when it came to this paragraph... Another mega project to situate an information technology park in a suburban village plateau has met with protest, since the site includes green patches which attract birds and birdwatchers. I sure wish that locals open up their minds to the world we live in and stop protesting to developments that will bring in more tourists... not just the beach loving, sun bathing and restaurant type... but, children too... and although you may see tourists bring their children along with them... you also see dullness written all over their faces! So, wouldn't it be nice if they too had fun places to go to? Places like an Entertainment Center like the ones in Bombay? I myself have a teenage boy... and although he loves Goa and would love to come along with me each time I visit Goa... he's said to me several times, Oh ma, what do I come there and do? There's nothing much in Goa for a 14 year old besides going to the beach! Come on ma, it's boring! I don't like it here in Kuwait too... but, Kuwait has plenty of entertainment places and Kuwait's not a country that attracts tourists, yet, there's so much for someone of my age to keep myself busy! So, the day I hear that there's a huge entertainment place in Goa that has all the works like we have out here, then, I'd love to go along with you. Because, Goa is a lovely place! It just needs advanced technology for kids of my age! I'm not talking Disney World here! I'm just talking, an entertainment place like the one we have here, Entertainment City and that's not much really if compared to the ones I've been to in England Black Pool and in Spain! An entertainment place with rides, games, restaurants, etc. Goa is only for the grown ups like my brother and his friends! It's not for 14 year olds like my friends and myself who look for more than just a beach and restaurant! Most times, I really don't have anything to defend what he says! I'm sure he's so right in that Goa is a lovely place, but not for a kid like him who wants more! Hope someday, his wish will come true! Anna. If you judge people, you have no time to love them! -- Read all Goanet messages @ http://www.goanet.org/archive.php?name=Newslist=goanet _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Re: In small Goa, big developmental projects constantly attract local protests
Pamela needs to be congratulated for drawing attention to this growing phenomenon of pushing so-called development projects without adequate study and preparation. All these ventures appear to be ad-hoc and initiated by vested interests. The 18 hole golf course is an obvious example. The muddle-headed approach of the Goa government to development is clear from the fact that it still does not have a clear tourism policy in place. Decisions are sporadic and vaguely described. Recent newspaper items revealed that the much publicized IT Habitat in Dona Paula has not drawn any interest from the big IT players in India. It is reported that the Goa Government is now offering huge cash incentives to industries to set up shop in Dona Paula. This is simply throwing away good money after bad. The most obvious lacuna in the whole enterprise is that all these development projects are being floated without any reference to the Regional Plan, 2011. This makes complete nonsense of the process of planning. Averthanus L. D'Souza. - Original Message - From: Goanet Reader Panaji, Goa: A series of high profile projects flagged by the Goa government have run into trouble with local protestors --- largely over perenially-contentious land acquisitions. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] RE: In small Goa ...
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Big developmental projects constantly attract local protest, since scenic placid self contained villages react to ceding public and private farm and and green areas to urbanisation and commercial activity, ...In the political race to demonstrate development milestones before an upcoming election, the Congress party sees itself as a victim, paying the price for being more democratic and therefore a soft target for protestors. Activists only come out of the woodwork when the Congress is in power says Congress MLA Jeetendra Deshprabhu, referring to the calm that previous regimes enjoyed. 1. It does seem to be true that in Goa a village perspective tends to prevail over even that of a unified state. The challenge to the state leadership is to truly understand the state's needs (including in the national context) and then try to persuade the affected people who may have to sacrifice in the larger interest of the community. Hopefully, over time every one will get to bear their own fair share of the burden and wont have reason to feel they are beng singled out. 2. I also think the present government is taking the easy way out by saying they are a soft target for protesters because they are more democratic. I dont know how previous regimes dealt with protesters, but the present one was definitely less than transparent and perhaps even mendacious about Mopa airport project, a capstone development project for the state if ever there was one. P.S. I checked the conversion table and found 10,000 sq m is only 2.5 acres. How is this golf course a big development project? A mountain out of a mole hill? _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
