Breaking Free from Goa's Real Estate Mafia
Goa's land mafia, in collusion with corrupt officials, has been grabbing government and private properties, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
Real Estate MafiaGoaLand GrabbingTourismEnvironmental DegradationReal Estate NewsJul 07, 2024
The tourism industry, which recognizes only the number of 'foot falls' as a measure of growth, has been a major contributor to Goa's environmental degradation. The state's delicate ecology has never been a priority for the industry, which has led to the destruction of rocky hillocks, paddy fields, and private and public forests.
Goa's carrying capacity is a crucial aspect that needs to be studied scientifically to protect the Western Ghats. Suresh Prabhu's statement, endorsing the need for such a study, is a step in the right direction.
Bali, which contributes 80% of its economy from tourism, has faced similar issues of overcrowding, pollution, and large-scale land conversion. The island's tourism board has called for a moratorium on new hotel building and licenses, and the governor has banned all tourist activities on 22 mountains and volcanoes to preserve the sacredness of Bali.
In Goa, tourism has led to social injustice against locals, who are the worst sufferers. An audit of available hotel rooms, resorts, and apartments is necessary to determine the state's carrying capacity. A moratorium on licensing new hotels and 'service apartments' is the need of the hour, but it requires courage and freedom from the real estate mafia.
Assagao is just the tip of the iceberg, and the malaise cannot be solved by treating it as a law and order issue. A comprehensive approach, involving transparency and accountability, is necessary to break free from Goa's real estate mafia.
Information
Cleofato Almeida Coutinho is an advocate and political thinker who has been vocal about Goa's land mafia and environmental issues.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department is responsible for regulating land use and development in Goa. The department has been criticized for facilitating commercial exploitation of eco-sensitive areas and failing to protect the state's delicate ecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes up Goa's land mafia?
The power structure of the state, including corrupt officials and politicians, makes up Goa's land mafia.
What is the impact of the tourism industry on Goa's environment?
The tourism industry has led to environmental degradation, destruction of eco-sensitive areas, and social injustice against locals.
What is the carrying capacity of Goa?
The carrying capacity of Goa needs to be studied scientifically to determine the maximum number of tourists the state can tolerate without harming its environment and ecosystem.
What is the solution to Goa's land mafia problem?
A comprehensive approach, involving transparency, accountability, and a moratorium on licensing new hotels and 'service apartments', is necessary to break free from Goa's real estate mafia.
What is the importance of protecting Goa's delicate ecology?
Protecting Goa's delicate ecology is crucial to preserving the state's biodiversity, natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage.
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