TNN, Nov 8, 2010, 04.41am IST
PANAJI: Vanxim villagers supported by NGOs, environmental activists and village groups reiterated their opposition to any tourism project on their island at a public rally on Sunday. Ilha de Vanxim Association convener Maggie Silveira explained the dubious role of some persons in colluding with the promoters of the project to sell land in Vanxim. "But we will not allow the project," she said. Speakers from different parts of the state extended their support to the islanders. While blaming politicians for sale of land for housing, mega projects and other commercial uses, they said that all struggles should be consolidated. "The state is becoming a terrorist, imposing outdated ideas of development on the people," Bicholim-based activist Ramesh Gawas said. Projects, be they SEZs, mega projects, mining, tourism ventures, are being imposed for the benefit of a few. These keep people busy at various levels, but all should unite to fight government's anti-people policies, he added. Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) convener Sabina Martins said the government had no interest in finalizing RP 2021, which had people's suggestions for protection of agricultural land, water bodies and eco-sensitive zones. "Eco-sensitive zones such as hill slopes, ponds, forests have to be mapped in the plan," she said, adding that this is what people had marked in revised plans sent to the town and country planning department. Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott member Bismarque Dias said, "The earth is crying and the cry of the earth is that of the poor," and added that what was happening in Vanxim was unfortunate and religious authorities associated with it should be ashamed as it was against human interests. Mopa Vimantal Pidit Shetkari Samiti (Mopa International Airport Affected Farmers Committee) representative Sandip Kambli said all politicians had become brokers in the sale of land, depriving villagers and it was time to take the land back. Jaganath Dhulapkar of Dhulapi said villagers who had tilled or taken care of their ancestral land for centuries were dispossessed because of the politicians' policy of keeping people aside. GBA's Miguel Braganza said development should be what people want and not what is promised by promoters of projects, which is never fulfilled. Village Groups of Goa representative John Philip Pereira said wherever there are illegalities, the people should keep fighting. Seby Rodrigues of GOAMAP said that genuine tenants are often termed as encroachers for no reason. Read more: Groups oppose project on island - The Times of India<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Groups-oppose-project-on-island/articleshow/6885675.cms#ixzz14eE18NTT> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Groups-oppose-project-on-island/articleshow/6885675.cms#ixzz14eE18NTT _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ tambdimati: the Goa review is a community blog of original _/ art, writing, music, news and commentary from and about the _/ smallest state in the subcontinent. check out the newest _/ member of the Goanet family daily at _/ http://www.tambdimati.com. _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/