Goans Unite Against Land Conversions, Demand New Regional Plan
Hundreds of citizens gathered in Chinchinim to protest against rampant land conversions and demand a new Regional Plan, urging the government to cease amendments and involve locals in development plans.
Land ConversionsRegional PlanGoaReal EstateEnvironmental DestructionReal EstateOct 02, 2024
The main thrust behind the speeches made at the protest was that the State government should cease coming out with “amendments after amendments” to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, and that development plans should be fixed for a long period of time, which would ensure there are no attempts to selectively dilute these plans to benefit mega projects, and further environmental destruction.
The protestors, who converged at Chinchinim from all over Goa, emphasised that such plans need to have the consent and participation of the locals. Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva gave the example of what is happening in Sancoale, where the people have come out on the streets to voice strong opposition to the Bhutani mega project.
He added that in other villages also people are coming out on the streets and won’t be taken for granted. Activist Abhijit Prabhudesai commended the people from Chinchinim for coming out in large numbers and felt the movement against such mega real estate projects and land conversions can start from such types of protests.
He expressed confidence that the people’s movement will result in success and compared it to the mass public protests in the year 2006 against the then RP 2011. “The farmers of our village have brought large tracts of fallow land under cultivation. Agriculture too can be the way forward to protect lands of Goa, especially the fields,” said Chinchinim Comunidade President Agnelo Furtado.
Other speakers gave the example of Loutolim, where the RP has completely diluted the presence of khazan fields, which had paved the way for the proposed Borim bridge construction, which the local farmers are currently protesting against.
It was also pointed out that the government does not have accurate data on things like irrigated command areas but are allowing hill cutting, zone changes to allow construction in no-development areas and coastal areas, all for the real estate lobby.
The speakers urged the public to be united against such arbitrary changes in land use regulations to protect the identity and lands of Goa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main demand of the protest in Chinchinim?
The main demand of the protest was to stop the rampant land conversions and to demand a new Regional Plan for the State of Goa.
What was the example given by Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva?
Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva gave the example of what is happening in Sancoale, where the people have come out on the streets to voice strong opposition to the Bhutani mega project.
What did Activist Abhijit Prabhudesai say about the movement?
Activist Abhijit Prabhudesai commended the people from Chinchinim for coming out in large numbers and felt the movement against such mega real estate projects and land conversions can start from such types of protests.
What was the example given by Chinchinim Comunidade President Agnelo Furtado?
Chinchinim Comunidade President Agnelo Furtado gave the example of how the farmers of their village have brought large tracts of fallow land under cultivation.
What was the criticism of the government's data on land use?
The speakers pointed out that the government does not have accurate data on things like irrigated command areas but are allowing hill cutting, zone changes to allow construction in no-development areas and coastal areas, all for the real estate lobby.
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