Click to play videoGoa: Goa's laidback residents are up in arms over rampant construction in the state's green belt.
Goa's natural charms are world famous but its beauty, so popular among tourists, could be at risk. Thanks to Goa government.
CNN-IBN had earlier exposed the state's new development plan, that throws thousands of hectares of forest and green zones open to residential and commercial construction.
Now, residents across the sleepy state are rising up in protest and are hoping to kickstart a mass statewide agitation. Citizens groups have already obtained a stay on the project from the High Court till it comes up for hearing again.
Give Back Our Green Goa Convenor Dr Oscar Rebello said, “I am extremely thankful to CNN-IBN, and to the High Court for the interim relief. We, the common citizens of Goa, have decided to fight out this plan as this will destroy our tiny little state.”
If the plan is implemented, citizens say less than 20 per cent of their tiny state will remain green. In a dramatic move, the Church too has joined the fight, holding frequent sermons during mass urging people to oppose the plan.
Forum for Social Justice & Peace, Goa Church Executive Secretary Father Mevrick Fernandes said, “We are of the firm opinion that this plans needs to be out rightly opposed and scrapped as it is not going to help common man in any way.”
Caught on the wrong foot, the government is tightlipped. And the chief architect of the plan, Babush Monserrat, the Minister for Town & Country Planning, refused to answer questions. Senior officials too were evasive.
Goa Chief Secretary J P Singh said, “As the matter is in the court I will not be able to comment on the issue. It’s subjudice.”
The beautiful sceneries of Goa will not be there in future if this regional plan is implemented and although the matter is in court, people are not ready to take any chance. They are preparing themselves for a mass statewide movement.
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