savegoa

Interim Report & TCP Act amendment

2008-06-04T03:19:36Z

GBA Press Release: 3 June, 2008: The GBA reiterated its objections to the Interim Report in its meeting held on 2nd June. The GBA has consistently expressed its stand on the 73rd and 74th Amendment of Constitution which calls for people’s participation in the planning process. The GBA stands by the demand that the Amendment to section 16 and 16A of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1974 be repealed because it undermines the very spirit of planning which is unacceptable. The GBA states that the timeline is totally unrealistic as the processes like collection of baseline data, pilot studies, inputs from socio economic experts have not yet come on board. The approach of Task force to the above mentioned points expressed in the Interim Report are viewed by GBA as serious reservations and hopes that suitable remedial measures will be taken. This has been conveyed in the letter sent to the Task Force by the Co Convenor and taken up by the Convenor with the Task Force. It has also decided to meet the Chief Minister on the issue of repealing the Amendment to the TCP Act. The GBA views with considerable consternation media reports that there is a rift in the organization.The GBA is solidly united and will continue to do so. GBA members come in all shades of the rainbow that comprises Goa. It follows a democratic process where all issues are debated and consensus arrived at. Like all red blooded goenkars, we have our vitriolic and even heated arguments but nothing can take away the fact that every single GBA member loves Goa as passionately, as commitedly and as undyingly as ever. Much to the chagrin of our detractors, the GBA marches ahead emboldened, focused and ready for battle TOGETHER. Dr Oscar Rebello Convenor

RP-2021 UPDATE

2008-05-24T02:57:57Z

Click on MAP ABOVE to DOWNLOAD REPORT (PDF 3.8MB)

A school in the middle of a mine?

2008-05-17T09:43:46Z

November 2007 NDTV report

High steel prices make Goa a mining hub

2008-05-17T09:26:24Z

30 Apr 2008, 0301 hrs IST,Nitin Sethi,TNN NEW DELHI: Here is a consequence of rising global steel prices that has made even the bad quality of iron ore in India as precious as gold: tourism hotspot Goa, more known for its clean sand beaches on the edge and the verdant greens on the inside, is turning into a red-iron ore mining zone. More than 70 mining leases have been given environmental clearances in less than 2 years to mines covering 66.9 sq km of the state's forested areas in the hills have been leading to a crisis in the state. Though Goa has been well known since the time of the Portuguese for its iron ore deposits and some of the well known Goa-based football clubs are run by mining giants of the state but the spurt in global demand, especially fed by the Chinese consumption levels, has begun to turn the state red with iron ore mines. The clearances to the leases have now become subject to the decision of the Supreme Court in an ongoing case. In addition, different local groups and villages have gone to the Bombay High Court against the problems caused by unregulated mining. A mapping exercise carried out by NGO Goa Foundation, also the litigant in the apex court case, found that several of these mines are operating within one km of wildlife sanctuaries in the state in contravention of the Supreme Court orders. One mine was found to be operating in the heart of a wildlife sanctuary and work has been stayed on the orders of an apex court committee. Several others are operating within 3 km of the wildlife reserves in the Goanese portion of the Western Ghats — a global biodiversity hotspot. "Under SC orders, the state was forced to assess these mines for their environmental clearances. It ended up clearing all of them," said Claude Alvares, director of Goa Foundation and member of the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Waste. Goa has become the biggest exporter of iron ore in India, providing 60% of the exported low-grade ore from India. "The shipping costs are lower and the low grade ore is allowed to be exported, so Goa has become a favoured export hub of iron ore," Alvares pointed out. In 1971, Goa was exporting 10 million tonnes of ore, today it exports 33 million tonnes. For each tonne of low-grade iron ore excavated three tonnes of mud and waste is generated which is dumped out, the report mentions. With not a penny being spent by the state or the Centre in restoration of the mined sites, all the dumped material is flowing into vital rivers of the coastal state. The mining companies are legally expected to only pay a guarantee amount of a mere Rs 25,000 per hectare of land mined for restoration. The Mandovi river is estimated to carry 200,000 metric tonnes of sediment from the North Goa mining belt each year, the study quotes. "The area the size of Connaught Place has been dug in Goa up to 80 metres and the mud just thrown off," Alvares told journalists.

Goa's mining problems

2008-05-17T09:23:21Z

— Sunita Narain We were standing between a massive mine and a stunning water reservoir. Local activists were explaining to me that this iron ore mine was located in the catchment of the Salaulim water reservoir, the only water source for south Goa. Suddenly, as I started clicking with my camera, we were surrounded by a jeepload of men. They said they were from the mine management and wanted us off the property. We explained that we had come on a public path and that there were no signs to indicate that we were trespassing. But they were not in a mood to listen. They snatched the keys of our jeep, picked up stones to hit us and got abusive. Before things got totally out of hand, we decided to leave. They followed us till they saw that we left the area and most importantly, could not stop and take more photographs. I was completely baffled at these developments. After all, this was Goa, known for its sandy beaches, lush green mountains and, most of all, its peace and calm. This was also the place where industrialists—the Dempos, the Salgaocars, the Timblos with mineral interests—play key roles in education, in culture and in promoting the ethics of good corporate governance. Why would they allow mining to take place next to what is clearly the most important water source for the state? Why were there no signboards with names of owners, near or around the mine? Why would state regulators allow this to happen? What was happening in this paradise to unleash this violence and simmering tension? I got my answers soon. In the next village, Colomba, I was surrounded once again: not by goons of mining company, but by women of the village. We were standing on top of the hill, overlooking the village nestled between coconut and cashewnut trees. But where we were, bulldozers, mechanised shovels and trucks were hard at work. They were breaking the hill, shovelling its mud, dumping the rejects and then taking away the ore. The mine had just started operations, said the agitated women, but their streams were already drying up. The sight of the red waste on the green lands presented a stark contrast. They dragged me down into the village, where they showed me their wasted fields. They then showed me how the mining waste—and there are tonnes of this red mud—was being dumped into their streams. They walked me to a home where the walls had been badly damaged, they said, because of the blasting in the mines. The house owner, Devki Katu Velip, told me that when she complained to the miners, the supervisor told her they would destroy her house completely if she dared protest again. Understandably, the villagers had just one demand: close down the mines. I asked how permission had been given without their consent. Who were these companies and whose land were they mining? I learnt that in this literate state these mining operations were shrouded in secrecy. It was assumed that conditional environmental clearance had been taken to operate the mine located mostly on comunidade land—originally under local community control and only to be leased out for agriculture. But as the concessions had been granted by the Portuguese government and later converted into leases by the Indian government, these restrictions did not seem to apply. Or, at least, did not matter. The ownership status was also unclear, explained the villagers. One Hiralal Khodidas had the lease, but the mine was operated by Sociedade Formento (one of Goa’s biggest mining companies) through an agent, Raisu Naik, who had in turn sub-contracted it to Gurudas Naik, the ex- sarpanch of the village. This is why, I guess, the mines did not have company signboards. It did not suit them to reveal their identity. In the next village, Quinamol, the scene was more or less the same. The miners were rowdy; the villagers angry. The only difference was that the mine was older—first mined for manganese and now being excavated for iron ore. It generated more mining waste, covering open fields and filling water bodies. The tension was palpable. In this case, the mine was leased to politician Chandrakant Naik but was being operated by one Bhandari. Nobody could give me more details about him. The women told me that they had complained but nobody was listening. I learnt later—the day after my visit—that villagers had stopped a truck loading the material and beaten the driver. A case has now been registered against them. But is it only their fault? This was the scene in all the villages we passed. What made the situation poignant, and ironical, was the fact that these villages are not destitute, desperate for livelihoods and money. These are prosperous areas, where agricultural productivity is the basis of economic wealth. It is this well-being that is being destroyed, bit by bit. I understood then what the demand of ore from China, which had raised prices of the mineral to a new high, was doing to patterns of local economies. It was in Vichundrem village, however, that I saw the future. Here our vehicle could not proceed up to the hill. It was blocked by a massive boulder. This was the simple but effective blockade put up by the village. It was their way to keep the miners out of the government forest land that surrounded their fields and provided it spring water for irrigation. The fields were gleaming green in the sun. The images had been burned into my mind. When I returned to town that evening I saw on tv the violence in Nandigram, West Bengal, over the government’s plan to acquire land. I had just seen a million Nandigram mutinies in the making. Where are we headed I wonder.

Mine in Goa forest defies law; SC orders probe

2008-05-17T04:10:21Z

A showcause notice (in CNN-IBN's possession) from the Forest Department Goa to the Prafulla Hede Mines in South Goa dated March 2008 reads: "You are informed to showcause as to why action should not be taken to close all mining activities for violating the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act". Three months later, on May 8, 2008 CNN-IBN's Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that rows and rows of trees, 1000 square meters of prime forest has been burnt to ashes and that trucks are operating inside the Hede Mines despite the showcause notice. ]]> Goa Foundation Director, Claude Alvares says, "You can see they are operating on forest land." It's obvious that the owners of the mine are nervous about the SIT filming the mines. A huge mining truck deliberately blocked the road to prevent the CNN-IBN crew from going further. When the SIT reached the gate of the mines, alongwith Claude Alvares, arguments and raised voices dominated the scene. Claude Alvares: "You guys are in serious trouble. I am telling you." CNN-IBN SIT Reporter: "Please vacate the road. You have no business blocking our way." The mine workers argued right back, asking the crew why they were filming. One worker even said, "Kar lo jo karn hai." ("Do whatever you can.") The workers then used a truck and blocked the public road, trying to stop the crew from escaping the scene. Around 15 mine workers surrounded the CNN-IBN team, and attempted the Manager of Hede Mines, Mr Vaidya, lunged for and tried to snatch the camera from the crew. The CNN-IBN team managed to escape with the tapes. Based on the visual evidence and an urgent writ petition by the Goa Foundation, the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has on Thursday issued an order asking the state government to conduct an enquiry. If the Hede Mines are found to be violating the Forest Conservation Act, the mines will be immediately shut down. (With inputs from Vimal Dutta and Tridip Mandal)

GBA campaigns for a revival of agriculture

2008-05-16T03:24:54Z

photocredit: Reboni Click on photo to enlarge

The Migrant Danger to Goa

2008-05-13T03:06:18Z

by Rajan P. Parrikar Inspired by the Socratic Method, I present my case below. Q: Why are you against the migrant influx? A: Goa is tiny, with a finite carrying capacity and we are already saturated. The Goan population is extremely small compared to other communities in India. We cannot withstand the current high inflow of migrants. It will lead to severe civic, social and economic disturbance, will obliterate our Goan Identity, will turn Goa into an unpleasant hovel like other urban Indian areas. Q: What kind of migrant influx are you against? A: I am against the current indiscriminate influx of unskilled as well as rich migrants. Q: The poor migrants come here to make a living. Aren?t you being anti-poor by opposing them? A: No. Everyone wants to build a better future for himself. But Goa does not have the capacity to absorb India?s limitless poor. Neither should Goa pay the price for the failures of rest of the Indian states to improve their living standards. Importing poverty into Goa will end up dragging Goa down the drain. Besides, we have our own Goan poor that we need to take care of first. Q: The constitution guarantees freedom to settle down anywhere within India. How can you prevent people from coming without violating their rights? A: (a) Goa is a dot, area-wise and population-wise. Any one district of Karnataka or Bihar is larger than Goa. Even if a tiny fraction of the people from these states decided to move into Goa, we are sunk. Free movement into Goa will obliterate us culturally, not to mention create civic strife and other problems. We cannot be passive spectators at this demographic warfare waged against us. So the ?constitutional? argument does not hold water. (b) Goa was not part of the Constituent Assembly and had no say in the drafting of the Indian constitution. No safeguards were put in place in 1961. The constitution exists in order to serve people and society, not the other way round. Therefore, if it has to be amended to accommodate the wishes of the Goan people, so be it. Other states - Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Northeast states - have special provisions and protections to preserve their interests. Why shouldn?t we enjoy the same? (c) Goa is the last surviving haven of the pleasant life left in India. We must do everything possible to keep it that way. We have before us India?s abysmal record of turning good places into unlivable hell. What were once pleasant retreats ? Pune, Bangalore, Ooty, Simla etc ? are today polluted, crowded, squalid concrete nightmares. Q: Why are migrants a problem now? A: Because of the steep rise in their numbers and the rate of influx. The construction & tourism boom and the international exposure have attracted people in droves. Access to Goa is now easy. Scores of flights come in everyday and new railway lines bring in migrants by the hundreds. Earlier, unskilled migrants came from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Now they come from all over: Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, W Bengal, Rajasthan, AP, MP, even Nepal. Q: But Goans need migrants to do their chores, don?t they? A: Partly true. But also true is that today we have far greater numbers of migrants than are actually needed. Because Goa is an attractive place, with better daily wages, migrants from all over India are headed this way regardless of our needs. Q: What kind of problems do unskilled migrants present? A: (a) Slums were inconceivable in Goa but today several have taken root: Sancoale, Chimbel, Margao, Betim, Ponda etc are established slums and many others are in early stages. Migrants have been allowed to illegally usurp communidade land by politicians who use them as vote banks. (b) Slums have spawned severe problems of sanitation & health, put stress on limited infrastructure & resources, created law & order issues. Religious & social differences with the incoming migrants may create strife in the years ahead. (c) Unskilled migrants bring undesirable expressions of civic conduct. Public defecation and urination are now widespread. Our towns, villages, gardens & public spaces have become fertile grounds for migrant loiterers. Illegal hawking is widespread on our beaches, on our roads, in our villages. (d) Unscrupulous politicians have created vote banks out of migrants. Voter fraud is a blow to the basis of our electoral system. Migrants are issued voter cards at the behest of the local politician within days of arrival without any background checks. This subversion of the fair electoral process will rapidly marginalize Goans. Already in the village of Sancoale, votes of Goans are drowned out by migrant votes. Q: Isn?t the solution proper law enforcement, holding officials and politicians accountable? A: That is one part. The other part involves restricting entry and reducing the numbers of migrants. It is a matter of simple arithmetic. When you look at the numbers it is clear that we are facing a demographic tsunami. Our tiny Goan canoe will be swamped and sunk. Q: What is your problem with the wealthy outsiders? A: Goa has become a fashionable destination with rich Indians and foreigners wanting to buy houses and land here. As a result, prices have shot through the roof leaving the average Goan buyer helpless. With legions of non-Goans gobbling up prime real estate, the Goan runs the risk of being homeless in his own land. Q: Do you have other issues with rich outsiders? A: Goa?s unique appeal lies in the marriage of its landscape with its people. Our cultural & religious traditions, language, lifestyle, habits - all these ingredients constitute our Goan Identity. The new rich outsiders view Goa as only prime seafront real estate, with no regard for, or understanding of, our traditions and our people. Large insular gated communities are being developed for wealthy non-Goans. Foreigners have bought property in Goa, often circumventing the laws by forming front companies. Russian of dubious credentials have dropped anchor and bought land. Many old Goan houses have been purchased by non- Goans. We got rid of one colonial power only to risk another round of colonization, this time by the moneybags. Q: But many of these outsiders say they love Goa. A: If ?love of Goa? were the criterion employed, 98% of India would want to move here. If you love Goa, come spend a week here in a hotel of your choice and then go back. Q: Aren?t you being xenophobic? A: Not at all. Our tiny canoe is being swamped and we face disaster. Should we sit by passively while we sink? Change has to be gradual and organic. What we are seeing right now is a virtual takeover of Goa. Q: What are your prescriptions? A: a) Freeze all construction of residential projects and construction on hills, and in CRZ zones. b) Investigate and reverse voter fraud. c) Step up law enforcement to deal with migrant loiterers, illegal hawking, and encroachment, and civic misdemeanors. d) Clear all slums. e) Ban sale of land to non-Goans. f) Demand special status for Goa within the framework of the Indian Union.

Citizens garner support to save villages

2008-05-09T03:44:57Z

Herald 8th May 2008: These certainly are not political meetings as one would assume to be repeatedly taking place in Salcete's coastal belt. But, meetings of small groups of anxious and worried citizens garnering support to launch a sustained movement to preserve and protect their villages from being destroyed and degraded by builders with mega housing projects. In a way, Salcete's coastline – from Carmona to Varca, Benaulim and Colva – is playing host to meetings of local residents to take the ongoing disorganised battle against mega housing projects to its logical conclusion. Herald understands that residents are being mobilised from village to village to bring them under one banner to save the villages from destruction. ]]> Towards this end, the organisers are meeting in the villages with different groups working in the same direction and to organise a mammoth meeting at Dando ground Benaulim by next week. Sources in the know say, the meeting will set out an agenda for the government and the local self-governing bodies on housing and the needs of local residents. These meetings assumes significance given that state-level group titled Ganv Bachao Abhiyan is proposed to be launched shortly to save the villages for posterity. "It is high time people opposing mega housing projects are being organized under one banner and fight the battle jointly", remarked a prominent social activist, who has been actively involved in brining the various groups under one banner. He observed that outside builders are slowly trying to set up projects along the state's countryside, especially the coastal belt, taking advantage of the real estate boom. "But, we local citizens are more worried about the existing infrastructure, which is pathetic and inadequate to meet the present requirements", the activist said. Meanwhile, the Vasvado ward of Benaulim saw residents of Tamdimati, Vasvado holding a meeting at Zarbo Khuris to object to a potential mega housing project in the area. The meeting was addressed by Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) activists, besides local citizens. A local residents, Michael Rodrigues set the ball rolling against the Panchayat body for keeping the concerned citizens in the dark about the construction projects. BVAC Chairperson Geraldine Fernandes and Rudolf Baretto questioned the logic of the three Panchayat members for seeking explanation from a local Parish Priest. The meeting also hold a meeting at Vaddie, Vaswaddo, Benaulim later this week. A meeting at Colva village was held this evening.

Carmona Panchayat to send file back

2008-04-23T13:48:11Z

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 22 — Mumbai-based builder, Rahejas may soon find their mega-housing construction file back with them. With the Carmona Panchayat recalling the file from the Town and Country Planning Department as per the resolution adopted by the gram sabha members, the Panchayat is now bracing to write a letter to the Rajehas to take back their file. Sarpanch Estaquio D’Costa told Herald that the panchayat has decided to return the file to Rahejas. “As per our request, the Town and Country Planning Department has returned the file. We have now resolved to write to Rajehas to take the construction file”, D’Costa said. The panchayat, which had earlier forwarded Rahejas file to the TCP Department for approval, was forced to ask for a recall following an unanimous resolution adopted by the gram sabha on March 30 which was marred by violent incidents. Sarpanch D’Costa, however, refuted allegations that the violence was sparked by his supporters. In fact, he blamed panch Orlando for provoking violence on March 30 and the commotion that prevailed at the gram sabha the previous occasion. “In the previous meeting, the panch caught hold of my hand, creating the commotion. Is this not a provocation?”, he asked. Referring to the police case against four youth from Carmona in connection with the violent incident, the Sarpanch said one amongst these youngsters had lodged a counter complaint, but no case is registered against the accused by the Colva police. D’Costa took exception to attempts by panch Orlando to drag PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in the controversy, categorically saying that the minister had nothing to do with the mega-housing project.

Proposed township in Carmona, Salcete

2008-04-23T12:01:25Z

Location and Heritage The village of Carmona is located on the southern coast of Goa that stretches from Colva to Mobor, and is hemmed in by the villages of Varca and Orlim on one side and Cavelossim on the other. Carmona has about 1,200 homes spread over its settlement zone. AS much as 55 per cent of the land in Carmona is agricultural and the rest is horticultural/orchard/residential land. Its settled population is 5,000. Carmona has its own church, which celebrated its 400th year in 2007, a temple for Hindus and few chapels. Carmona, reckoned to be a 700-year-old settlement, is ranked among the 20-odd Heritage Villages by the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG). Unlike some others in this 'privileged club', Carmona does not boast of numerous unique, elite houses. It has a few old homes of the zonnkars which complement its old agricultural traditions, and have acquired the heritage status. But Carmona's strength is its neat landscaping, bunding, old water channels, thickly-wooded tracts ¬all manifestations of the heritage if one applies the term in its entirety. A large number of families have been living for generations in Carmona, sustaining themselves on agricultural and allied activities. In the last decade or so, an appreciable number of youngsters have found employment in West Asia or well-paying placements with the international shipping companies. Carmona has remained relatively untouched by the tourism, even as it is located on the South Goan tourist belt, comprising Betalbatim-Colva-Benaulim-Cavelossim. ]]> Proposed Township Presently, Carmona is caught on the horns of a dilemma. A prominent, Mumbai-based builder has proposed to initiate a mega-construction project, comprising 618 luxury apartments to be built as ground-pIus-three structures. The proposed township is slated for development in an estate known as Chulibhat (survey no 64/01 and 67/01) at Tamdeg, one of the 7 wards of the Village Panchayat Carmona, and located on an upper incline bordered by the scenic River Sal. Industry estimates place the total project turnover at around Rs 200 crore. Major Threat While the proposed township would mean a substantial return-on-investment (RoI) for the developer, it threatens to rupture the peaceful environs of Carmona where families have lived in an eco-friendly harmony for several hundred years. Villagers are concerned on various counts, and are opposing the township at individual and collective levels. Already, they have formed a broad-based committee, the Carmona Citizens' Forun (CCF) ¬comprising lawyers, doctors, academicians, some Panchayat members and social activists - to raise awareness and highlight the disastrous impact of the proposed project on the lives of thousands of inhabitants. For records, the mere mention of the project at the Gram Sabha meeting held on December 9, 2007 resulted in heated discussions and unruly scenes. It all began with the Sarpanch tuning down the demand for a discussion on the proposed project by some Panchs and the members of the public. Police had to intervene to avoid a potential law and order problem, and the meeting was hastily adjourned. The proposed mega project was also opposed at the Zilla Parishad meeting by Mr Joe Dias, Zilla Parishad member of the area by passing a resolution to that effect. The apprehensions Some of the major apprehensions of the villagers are listed as under: a. Basic Amenities & Infrastructure The proposed township would create havoc by putting tremendous pressure on the existing basic infrastructure including water resources, electricity, roads, garbage disposable and sewage systems, among others. Like many Goan villages, Carmona has a perennial water problem as the government-supplied pipeline lacks adequate pressure. For instance, while the minimum pressure required is 2.5kg, the water gauge at Tamborim indicates 0.3kg pressure at any give time. This is because the villages along the tourist-favourite, coastal belt have to compete with the starred hotels who are often the biggest guzzlers of water. As a result, the water availability in Carmona is well below the lowest, minimum-required standards, whereas the village as a whole faces a water deficit of 3 lakh litres per day. Overhead water tanks at the height of three meters from ground level do not fill up even during the low-usage hours during the night. Similarly, electricity supply continues to dog the villagers, with frequent power failures and interruption. The situation is likely to worsen over the next couple of years due to an acute shortage of power throughout India. Another concern is of sewage deposit and disposal, more so because of the location of the proposed project on the banks of River Sal. The proposed township would lead to the contamination and depletion of ground water resources due to indiscriminate use, apart from blocking and restricting the access to River Sal because of its proximity to the proposed project. The proposed township project plan does not indicate any provision for the access roads, necessary to service hundreds of luxury apartments. Ideally, a 8-10 meter wide access road would be required for the movement of large-scale men and materials during the construction and subsequently to service the residents (618 occupants would mean at least same quantity of cars, if not more). The existing approach road is extremely narrow, just 2.5 meters wide and fenced-in by the compounds and houses on either side. Considering the ground realities in terms of basic infrastructure, the proposed luxury township for the 'rich and famous' will only render the villagers' woes more acute. b. Ecological Damage The magnitude of the project makes it necessary to view it from the angle of environmental impact. One of the major attraction of Goa is its unique rurality; its architectural beauty; its thickly-wooded environs; and open spaces with clear divisions of land into agricultural, horticultural and settlement zones. International and Indian tourists come to Goa to enjoy this very special blend of nature, architectural traditions and a quaint urbanity that sets Goan villages apart from their counterparts in India or elsewhere. This is particularly true of villages like Carmona in Salcete which are well-visualised in terms of space conceptualization, and are blessed with huge green tracts. The proposed township is to be built on the green zone of Carmona, which would mean cutting down thousands of very old, mature and healthy trees. On last count, there are 18,000-20,000 coconut trees, hundreds of Caju shrubs, dozens of Jambul trees, and above all, several ancient banyan trees. These green lungs of Carmona will have to make way for building the luxury township, which would lead to an irreversible ecological disaster not just for the villagers but for the entire Salcete. Moreover, the proposed township constitutes the riverside property. Hence, its construction is bound to ambush the village on both sides, rendering its residents bereft of open spaces, and blocking their access to the River Sal front. Moreover, the mangroves in and around the proposed project which form our lifeline, would also stand endangered . In any case, is it advisable •to raise ground+ 3 structures on such close proximity to a river? c. Land Prices The proposed township is to come up on a property that reportedly involved a monetary consideration of Rs 43 crore. This has already put an upward pressure on the land and property prices, making it increasingly unaffordable for the locals. It is needless to add that the luxury apartments in the proposed township will be priced well beyond the purchasing power of the villagers. More significantly, for several hundred years, the locals have relied on the finite-yet-¬affordable 'village land bank' which is tapped into when families expand and additional housing becomes necessary. However, with large tracts of this 'village land bank' ,now being acquired to provide luxury housing to holiday-home buyers, villagers are concerned about the impending scarcity and the rising land prices. Already, the registered rate is an astronomical Rs 4,500 per sq meter. The villagers fear such a development will not only push them to the fringes but will jack up the land prices in a manner which will disenfranchise them in their own village. They lament that they would eventually be driven out of their ancestral lands. Indeed, nothing will remain for the future needs if such large 'urban colonies' are given nod without considering that Carmona has its own needs as its population expands, not only for housing but for schools, recreational and entertainment facilities, open spaces, etc. d. Population Pressure As mentioned earlier, Carmona today has around 1,200 homes, and it has taken hundred of years for the settlement to reach its present size, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and expansion. Now, the proposed township seeks to increase the size of the village by more than 50 per cent and that too, virtually overnight. This tantamounts to creating a tiger in the belly of an elephant! The proposed township would not only exert an incomprehensible pressure on the existing infrastructure but would alter the very demographic profile, and the ward representation at the Panchayat level. Word of Caution It is advisable to stress that such mega projects should not be approved before the Regional Plan 2021 is ready and available. This is all the more imperative since no relevant data is currently available regarding the existing infrastructure, specially water supply, power and electricity, sewage and disposal of garbage. It is true that many of the coastal villages in South Goa including Colva, Benaulim and Varca have already witnessed hectic construction activities. However, the one proposed in Carmona is of a much larger scale, and would have far-reaching consequences. The proposed mega project is concentrated within a limited area and involves construction of massive concrete structures on a green grove with numerous varieties of trees, which do not appear to be properly represented or retained in the project submitted by the builder. It is amply clear that Carmona is in no position to support a project of such scale, and this is true of any other village in Goa. The proposed project is meant to solely benefit the builders and the investors and bring hardships to the locals. It is not that the citizens of Carmona are against development, but they believe all such efforts should blend into the environs of their village and espouse its eco-friendly goals. Since the villagers have coexisted in a harmonious way with strong community links, they are opposed to creation of mega-housing projects and gated communities which only serve to erode the sharing spirit that has marked the settlements of the village. Moreover, such a development will be totally out of sync with the local realities. It would destabilise the existing demography and knock off the resources balance. Above all, it would be a paradox of justice and fair-play as it will disenfranchise the villagers in their own territory, the very natives who have built and preserved Carmona's identity over the years. This constitutes a flagrant abuse of human rights, which will be opposed by the villagers with all their might. . Finally, the government and the concerned authorities need to prepare a blueprint for development of the village in a manner that is beneficial for the villagers. It will be ideal that such large, green tracts are used to create a botanical garden or a museum, or even a Cultural Habitat where the visitors can enjoy the scenic environs and the placid river views. These would be a matter of pride not only for Carmona but for Goa itself. Related Stories: Goa Hitrankhan Manch opposes housing project Alert Carmona locals force stay on housing project Carmona panchayat meet witnesses uproar over housing project Gating communities

Gating communities

2008-04-14T13:32:16Z

If the spectre of communism haunted Europe during the period of Karl Marx, a different kind of spectre,people’s activism at the village level, is tormenting real estate developers in the state. Four villages – Carmona, Benaulim, Siridao and Aldona – have independently arisen in recent weeks to question proposed mega-housing projects in their areas. Residents have formed action groups to voice their concern at unusually well-attended Gram Sabhas and other meetings, and compelling their village panchayats to take note of their apprehensions. This kind of activism in these four villages has led a few conspiracy theorists to accuse some residents of ‘manipulating’ Gram Sabhas to oppose mega housing projects, even though the projects were ‘cleared’ with all the different statutory authorities. These critics conclude that the proponents of this kind of activism seek to use the Gram Sabha – which they say is a consultative body – to usurp the powers of the duly elected and therefore representative panchayat. The fact is that villagers have a legitimate right to feel apprehensive about mega-housing projects or gated communities in their areas. This is no Goa-specific phenomenon; it is being echoed worldwide. Gated communities cater to a specific class only, promising its affluent members a paradise-on-earth; an enclave with a scenic sea or river view, 24-hour water and electricity supply, pool, clubhouse, security and other exclusive amenities. Some gated communities even include supermarkets and restaurants. In Goa, many feel that these projects take shape surreptitiously and are cleared with great haste, leaving little or no time for locals to grasp their implications. Not all plans and projects are transparent. In many cases, hills are razed and groundwater is tapped for the promised 24-hour water supply. Massive amounts of power and water could be drawn from village resources to satisfy these gated communities. And when the existing power transformers are unable to handle the load, housing projects will simply turn on their auxiliary power generators, leaving the hapless Aam admi to fight with the linesmen to restore power supply. Apart from the physical resources, gated communities can also threaten the social fabric of an area. Our villages are known for their inclusiveness and social cohesion; resources are maintained, shared and enjoyed relatively equitably by locals. But gated communities are by definition exclusive, insulated and private; with ‘we-need-villages-but-not-the-villagers’ attitude. It is only fair that locals want to be informed and involved when gated communities are proposed in their villagers. In this regard, those planning gated communities should be asked to adopt procedures similar to couples that plan to get married. Panchayats can display the plans and invite public scrutiny and objection, if any, to any proposed housing project, within a reasonable time limit. Besides ensuring transparency in local bodies, this approach could help the builders gauge the pulse of a village before they set up their project. If necessary, the panchayat should call a Gram Sabha to endorse the approval, so that there is no controversy later. But quite apart from this, there is another, more awkward, issue. There cannot be a buyer unless there is a seller. In many cases, villagers, and officials of local comunidades and religious institutions, are willing to part with properties, ignoring the larger interest. Elected representatives and authorities are only too happy to legitimise housing projects. Don’t blame only builders. Sometimes, the enemy lies within.

Kudos to Carmona

2008-04-12T13:34:56Z

Jose Cabral, Cortalim The people of Carmona have to be congratulated for the stand they have taken against the housing project proposed by the Rahejas. One has seen on numerous occasions how the peoples’ will has been subdued and their wishes bulldozed over by people with vested interests. Let the action of the Carmona villagers be an eye-opener for the rest of the villages in Goa. The need of the hour is to be vigilant, proactive and do what is best for your village and the state of Goa as a whole.

GBA pressurising Task Force to censure amendment to T&C Act

2008-04-09T11:04:08Z

NT Staff Reporter Panaji, April 4 The confusion and anger over the amendment to the Town and Country Act seems to be escalating with highly placed Goa Bachao Abhiyan sources saying that the front is applying pressure on the Task Force to condemn the same publicly. Sources say that internally the dissent has already been put on record. Also the fact that the minutes of the meetings of the Task Force which began its work at the end of October and has had 12 meetings since, has not been circulated has been creating disquiet in the minds of the GBA constituents, say sources. They also point out that though GBA members, Ms Patricia Pinto and architect, Ms Ritu Prasad have been attending the meetings of the Task Force, their names have still not appeared on the list of members, which they feel is a very bad precedent. They say that they should either be made members or they should not be allowed to sit for the meetings. It may be recalled that the GBA had demanded that the government immediately withdraw or amend‚ the said Bill and to clearly define what is meant by public projects/ schemes/ development works undertaken by it and if this is not done it will send out a wrong signal to the people of Goa that while the government has promised a well studied, participative and transparent Regional Plan for Goa through the Task Force, its intentions in fact are otherwise and added that it expects an early response from the government in this regard. It also wanted a clarification about the words public projects/schemes/development works, undertaken by the central or the state government" as they have not been clearly defined in the Bill and could very well go beyond what is meant by public projects like roads, bridges etc. It argued, The recent case of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation seeking to acquire private land in Cuncolim at the request of the M/s Vigneshwara Developwell Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, ostensibly in public Interest" for IT/ITeS and other technology based industry with Ëœwork, live, shop and play concept" is a case in point which is most relevant in light of the said Bill.

Beauty & The Beast?

2008-04-09T10:49:24Z

photocredit: Rajan Parrikar A sign of the times. The crude 21st century!