News Articles

Citizens garner support to save villages

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.

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Carmona Panchayat to send file back

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.

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

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.

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Carmona panchayat meet witnesses uproar over housing project

NT News Service

Majorda, March 30: Acrimonious scenes were witnessed at the Carmona panchayat gram sabha meeting held this morning. The gram sabha meeting which was attended by many villagers was held under a special pandal outside the Government Primary school building and began at around 10.15 a.m.

As the secretary was reading out the minutes of the last meeting, a verbal duel ensued between the relative of a panch and a local resident who was raising a point at the meet.

The situation did not subside and ugly scenes prevailed when both the parties clashed.

After about 20 minutes of this incident, police arrived there and brought the matter under control taking both the parties to the police station.

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Alert Carmona locals force stay on housing project

NT Staff Reporter

Margao, April 19 The recent developments in South Goa, points to the fact that the village panchayats there are proactively working for the betterment of locals by identifying their problems and tackling them.

Recently, villagers from Carmona protested against a housing project proposed by a Delhi-based developer and ensured its stay as the project involved a massive chunk of land from the village. The land acquisition proposed was near to the river Sal and was blocking the path to the river.

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Goa Hitrankhan Manch opposes housing project

NT News Service

Majorda, March 17Goa Hitrankhan Manch, has strongly opposed the recent trend of mega-housing projects proposed in villages, by expressing dismay at the utter insensitivity exhibited by local self-governing bodies and various authorities for considering such projects in the state, which are mostly promoted by builders from outside the state.

Stating this in a press release, Mr Prashant Naik, the spokesperson of GHM said that they are fully convinced that projects of such a magnitude will totally devastate the Goan character of our villages, considering the impact of the demography on the area. He stated that the burden on the local infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply, garbage disposal, etc, will cause insurmountable hardships to the ‘Goenkar’ population of Goa’s villages.

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Mega-housing projects in villages faces stiff opposition

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15 – The momentum against mega-housing projects across the State’s countryside is gaining momentum with each passing day.
Saturday saw Goa Hitrakhan Manch expressing its strong opposition to the recent trend of mega-housing projects proposed in Goan villages by builders from outside the State.
Fully supporting the sentiments of the people of Carmona in opposing the mega-project, which has a provision to build 618 apartments spread across 90,000 sq mt, the Manch has called upon the elected representatives in the Carmona Panchayat to oppose the invasion of Goa and Goenkarponn by rejecting the project lock, stock and barrel.
GHM expressed its dismay at the utter insensitivity exhibited by the local self-governing bodies and various government authorities while considering such projects, mostly promoted by builders from outside the State.

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SEZ developers go out to win over Goans, reverse govt order

1 Feb, 2008, 0337 hrs IST,Smitha Venkateswaran, TNN

PANAJI:Three companies; Cipla, K Raheja Corp and Peninsula Land, whose SEZ projects were scrapped by the Goa government, have joined hands to take on the Digambar Kamat government. Besides launching a PR exercise to win over Goans, the three companies are exploring legal options as well.

Plans are on to hold exhibitions, distribute pamphlets and educate people about the proposed projects. The companies are willing to promise job reservations and set up training centres to develop the required skills among youth.

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Bambolim project: order withdrawn

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Jan 25 The additional collector – North Goa, Mr Swapnil Naik today lifted the “stop work” order against the controversial Aldeia de Goa project at Bambolim in accordance with the assurance given to the High Court by the advocate general recently.

Mr Naik has also scheduled a hearing for both the parties – the builder and the Goa Bachao Abhiyan on January 31.

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Wendell attends court for derogatory statement

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 21 – It was Wendell Rorigues’s day in the Court today who was summoned for allegedly making derogatory statement against High Court judges.
Wearing his signature white curta, prominent fashion designer was seated in the front row of the court room, to answer the show cause notice issued to him, for his alleged offensive statement, which was published in the December 28, 2007, issue of the local magazine.
Rodrigues in his column had said, “Why are the High Court judges so blatantly bought over for Aldeia de Goa. I was in the Court room when I saw Norma Alvares stand her case. It was obvious that the judges were bought.”

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GOVT SCRAPS SEZS

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Dec 31 Virtually giving into the demands of the Congress party, alliance partners and all those opposed to special economic zones, the Congress-led alliance government today decided to scrap them, stating that they were not feasible in the present form.

Addressing a press conference late in the evening, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said that after deep thought and discussions the state government has decided “to do away” with the SEZs in the present form and urge the Union commerce ministry to take necessary steps in that direction.

The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik, the South Goa Member of Lok Sabha and Goa pradesh Congress committee, Mr Francisco Sardinha and the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh were present during the press conference.

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SEZs detrimental to Goa: Task Force

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Dec 30 The Task Force - Regional Plan 2021 constituted by the government, presented its report to the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, yesterday recommending that “the special economic zones are detrimental to the overall interest of Goa” and “the state should go for an integrated approach of development.”

“The intention of permitting SEZs which is that of industrialisation and consequent employment generation can be served without SEZs, if incentives are extended to incoming industries,” the report observed, adding, “The required industrial development can be achieved if government focuses on providing excellent infrastructure in terms of roads, water and power to incoming industrial units.”

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Task Force report will be helpful for govt, says CM

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Dec 30 The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said the report presented to him yesterday by the Task Force - Regional Plan 2021 as regards the proposed special economic zones in the state, would be helpful to the government while reaching any decision on the issue.

The Chief Minister is the chairman of the Task Force - Regional Plan 2021.

Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ this evening, Mr Kamat said, “I had requested the Task Force members to come out with their assessment on SEZs and they attended some presentations on the issue.”

“The Task Force team has done a very good job,” he remarked, pointing out that the report would help him in reaching a decision on SEZs.

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SGF for IT Habitat; opposes SEZs in state

NT News Service

Margao, Dec 11 The Save Goa Front today declared that the party supported the establishment of IT Habitat in the state, as it would create employment to Goans since such manpower was available in the state.

The legislative party of the SGF met today to discuss various issues concerning the cause of Goans like the IT, SEZs among others.

A statement, signed by the SGF president, Mr Churchill Alemao and Curtorim MLA, Mr Aleixo Reginald Lourenco, said that the party was fully backing the IT Habitat at Dona Paula, but opposed special economic zones in the state.

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White paper on SEZs by Monday: CM

BY HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, DEC 14 — Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today said that the white paper on SEZs will be ready by Monday and added that the five-member sub-committee of the Cabinet will study it before taking “an appropriate decision in the interest of the people of Goa”.
Disclosing this after the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, the chief minister said that the sub-committee is looking into whether Goa should have SEZs or not and, if yes then how many and where.

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SEZ Virodhi Manch fears doom if SEZs allowed

BY HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, DEC 13 — Around 18.7 lakh sq mts. That the huge land allotted to five promoters under the guise of the controversial SEZs at the Verna Industrial Estate which is being opposed tooth and nail by the SEZ Virodhi Manch.
Anti-SEZ activists have contended that the five promoters if allowed to set shop in Phase IV of the Verna Industrial Estate would put pressure on the crumbling infrastructure such as power, water and would invite hordes of migrants to work in these factories, diluting fast eroding Goan identity.
The manpower requirement in these five units is roughly put at over a lakh of workers, with locals raising apprehensions that the manpower would be finally imported from across the state borders.

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Meditab approches HC against stopping of work at Keri SEZ

NT Legal Correspondent

Panaji, Dec 11 Petition has been filed by Meditab Specialties Pvt Ltd (MSPL) in the High Court of Bombay at Goa allegedly on the ground that they have been threatened by the Chief Secretary.

MSPL had been allotted land at Keri, Ponda for setting up Pharma Park (SEZ) and have invested huge sums of money as a result of which they are constrained to approach the court.

The state of Goa through the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, Secretary Home, GSPCB, GIDC, Deputy Collector of Ponda and Ponda PI have been made respondents in the petition.

According to the petitioner they had not voluntarily stopped the work but they were forced to stop by the Deputy Collector, Ponda and police inspector of Ponda even when they want to continue the work as they have all the permissions for the same.

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Govt will issue stop order on Keri SEZ if required, HC told

BY HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, DEC 12 – Advocate General Subodh Kantak today told the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court that the State government, if required, would issue a written ‘stop work’ order to Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd for its Pharma SEZ in Keri.
The AG made the statement when the writ petition filed by Meditab challenging the decision of the government asking it to stop work at the SEZ site came up for hearing today.
In the petition, the company has submitted before the court that contrary to chief minister Digamber Kamat’s statement last week (that Meditab has voluntarily stopped work), they have not stopped work on their own but were forced to do so by the Ponda deputy collector and PI and that they desire to continue the work as they are duly authorized to do so.

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Stop SEZs if harmful to Goa, says Sardinha

BY HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, DEC 12 — South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha has reiterated that the government should not hesitate to stop the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) if they are indeed harm-full and against the interest of Goa and Goans.
He, however, suggested to Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to seek the expertise of experts before taking a final decision on the controversial subject.
“Stop the SEZs if they will be harmful for Goa and Goans. But, go ahead with the SEZs if they would be beneficial for the state”, Sardinha said, amidst thunderous applause at a function organised by the Citizens Committee to felicitate him on his winning the South Goa Parliamentary seat.

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Cap on SEZ land to stay

NEW DELHI, DEC 11 (PTI) — Within a fortnight of Commerce Secretary G K Pillai talking about a possible relaxation of cap on land size for SEZs, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath today said there was no proposal to change the 5,000 hectare ceiling prescribed by a Group of Ministers.
“The government is not considering any proposal to relax the 5,000 hectare cap on land size for Special Economic Zones (SEZs)” Nath told reporters on the sidelines of the TIE Entrepreneurial Summit here.

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I will not favour SEZs if land utilised for real estates: MP

BY HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, DEC 11 - South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha has said that he will not favour either the Special Economic Zones or the IT Parks if the allotted land is proposed to be utilised for real estate development.
“I had initially favoured 2-3 SEZs for Goa to tackle the employment problem. But, if these SEZs mean real estate development or developing the plots for housing than I am opposed to SEZs”, he asserted during an informal chat with newsmen in the District Collectorate here this morning after having a secret meeting with Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat in the Minister’s Chamber.
Sardinha, however, was quick to say that minimum two SEZs, but minus real estate development, would have solved the unemployment problem facing the Goan youth, adding that the government is now reconsidering the entire gamut of issues concerning the SEZs in Goa. “We don’t want too much of employment. SEZs should cater to Goan unemployed youth and not to import the youth from outside

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Mathany demands scrapping of all SEZs

NT News Service

Mapusa, Dec 11 The convenor of the Goa Movement against SEZs, Mr Mathany Saldanha has demanded that all SEZs be scrapped immediately failing which there would be great unrest among the Goan people that would prove costly to the government. Mr Saldanha was speaking at a largely attended public meeting at Mapusa this evening.Stating that SEZs were nothing but an attempt to destroy Goa by bringing a large influx of outsiders, Mr Saldanha felt that Goa would not remain Goa in such case. “The present move to have 18 SEZs in Goa is just not practically feasible. The state stands to benefit in no way from the proposed SEZs and on the contrary, there are some individuals who have a high stake in the allotment of land for SEZs and in doing so were hell-bent on destroying Goa. These elements must be stopped and therefore it is high time that each of us rise to the occasion and preserve the land for the future generation,” said Mr Saldanha.

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BJP says no to SEZs in state

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Dec 10 The Bharatiya Janata Party, while maintaining a “no” to special economic zones in Goa, today demanded that the government freeze all such policies which would encourage population increase in the state through mass influx.

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Aldeia de Goa:Files go missing

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Preetu Nair

PANJIM: Calling the disappearance of the documents and files containing details of a construction project at Bambolim, too serious a matter "not to be taken note of" by the High Court, the Court has now asked the Curca- Bambolim village panchayat to file a complaint with the Agacaim police about the missing files.

Acting on the Court's oral instructions on Thursday, the Town and Country department had already lodged a complaint about the missing files and documents in the Panjim police station and issued show cause notice to the Khalasi (read sweeper) of Tiswadi taluka branch office.

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Aldeia de Goa

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
by Preetu Nair

PANJIM: In what could be termed as a major embarrassment to the government, the High Court has directed the Chief Secretary JP Singh to remain present in the Court today, if Town and Country Planning department fails to produce the file containing details of a construction project at Bambolim.

The Court has asked TCP department to produce the file containing Town and Country Planning approvals, plans and No Objection certificates in respect of the construction project coming up at the site of Goa Real Estate and Construction Ltd (GRECL, popularly known as Aldeia de Goa) today in the Court. Further, the Sarpanch and Secretary of Curca-Bambolim panchayat has to remain present in the Court today with all necessary documents.

The Division bench of Justice FI Rebello and Justice NA Britto passed this order while hearing an affidavit by Patricia Pinto, General Secretary, People's Movement for Civic Action (PMCA), who is one of the petitioner in a petition against GRECL.

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Cipla's pharma SEZ runs into trouble in Goa

8 Dec, 2007, 0021 hrs IST,Smitha Venkateswaran, TNN
PANAJI: Pharma giant Cipla’s plan to develop an SEZ in Goa received another serious jolt on Friday when the north Goa collector ordered removal of all machinery from the site after villagers stalled work for the second time. Following the incident, Cipla CEO Amar Lulla said the company was considering all options, including shifting the plant out of Goa.

“For now, we have requested the company to stop work. We will meet all concerned parties, including those opposing the SEZ, before taking a final decision,” top official from north Goa collector’s office said.

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Works of SEZs at Keri, Verna stopped

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 8 Bowing to public pressure, the ongoing works of the special economic zones at Keri and Verna have been stopped and will not resume until the cabinet committee appointed by the government has reviewed the entire SEZ policy for Goa. The review will take about two months.

Announcing this at a press conference today, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said the companies at both places, Keri and Verna, yesterday informed the government that they have voluntarily stopped the works and will not resume it until the cabinet committee reviews the SEZ policy. Members of the cabinet committee, who were present for the press conference today, included the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik, the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, the Revenue Minister, Mr Jose Philip D’Souza and the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh.

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Digambar directs CS to prepare report on SEZs

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 8 — Bowing to mounting public pressure, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Saturday said work on SEZs in Verna and Keri have stopped, even as he directed Chief Secretary J P Singh to prepare a White Paper on all the zones.
Addressing a press conference, Kamat said that the White Paper, which will cover all aspects of SEZs, would be ready by Wednesday, December 12. After studying the White Paper, the Cabinet will take an appropriate decision on the issue, he stated.
“The companies at Verna and Keri have also informed me that they will not start work till the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure decides on the SEZs,” Kamat disclosed.
He informed that the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure has now decided that any proposal to allot land by a government corporation or department will have to be placed before the committee.

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Govt entertaining criminals to set up SEZ in Guleli: Matanhy

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 8 — Lashing out at the Government for supporting criminals, Goa’s Movement Against SEZs charged the Government of entertaining criminals like the Chawla brothers to set up an SEZ in Guleli.
Addressing a press conference Saturday afternoon, Convenor GMAS Matanhy Saldanha recalled, “If one remembers, the three Chawla brothers had duped a large number of Goans of crores of rupees through their nefarious company, Rockland Leasing Ltd, many years ago.”
These are wanted people and the Government had the courage to accept their application for setting up the SEZ at Guleli, Saldanha chided and added, “Let not Goans be fooled again.”
He demanded that the Government de-notify all the zones, including the two notified ones and scrap the SEZ policy forever. Also, scrap the IT and Food parks, he asserted.
He congratulated the people of Taleigao and Keri for their bold stand to oppose projects in their respective areas.

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Villagers protest against Keri SEZ

NT News Service
Ponda, Dec 7 The anguished villagers of Keri in Ponda taluka, who have been up in arms against the SEZ coming up at Arla Keri, today entered the SEZ land and deterred around 400 labourers from working. They forced them to leave the site in the presence of the deputy collector, Mr Jayant Tari and strong police posse.

The police maintained that the agitating villagers, who camped at the SEZ land throughout the day, had sought permission to enter the proposed SEZ site.

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Govt may relax ceiling on land for multi-product SEZs

PTI
New Delhi, Dec 3 The government may look at relaxing the 5,000 hectare ceiling on land for multi-product special economic zones once the Land Acquisition Act and the resettlement and rehabilitation policy are enacted, the commerce secretary, Mr Gopal Pillai said here.

“Now that the new resettlement and rehabilitation policy has come into being, the government may think of relaxing the upper limit of 5,000 hectares for SEZs,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the India economic summit.

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If Betul Food Park becomes SEZ I will oppose the project: Kavlekar

NT News Service
Quepem, Dec 3 Will the Food Processing Park proposed to be set up at Betul come up as a SEZ? Quepem MLA and Goa Industrial Developemnt Corporation (GIDC) chairman Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar’s exclusive comments to ‘The Navhind Times’ has given rise to this million dollar question. Kavlekar emphatically denies that the Food Park would be a SEZ. What’s more, the GIDC chairman was candid enough to come on record that he would lead the people in their agitation against the Food Park if any attempt is ever made to make it a Special Economic Zone.

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Govt should scrap SEZs: Babush

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 3 – After getting an overwhelming response for the opposition to the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat from the villagers of Taleigao, former TCP minister Babush Monseratte has said that the government should give in to the demands of the people on SEZs too.
Replying to a query, the Taleigao MLA stated that the government should seriously take into considerations the views of the people before going ahead with any project.
”If the people of Goa do not want SEZs, it should be scrapped,” he remarked.
Earlier, addressing the press after the Taleigao Village panchayat’s special Gram Sabha meeting, Monseratte said that the people of Taleigao are united on the issue and will continue the protest until work on the IT Park is scrapped.

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SEZ Virodhi Manch’s solidarity meet on Dec 14

HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, DEC 2 - The SEZ Virodhi Manch, a collective of Keri Nagrik Samiti of Keri, People’s Movement Against SEZs of Loutolim, Nagoa and Verna, along with other grassroot people’s movements against SEZs in Sancoale, Quitol and Canacona, has appealed to Goans to attend in large numbers a solidarity meeting to be held at the historic Lohia Maidan in Margao on December 14 ,at 4 p.m.

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GMAS to hold SEZ Hatao Yatras from December 10

HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, DEC 1 - Matanhy Saldanha, Convenor of Goa’s Movement Against SEZs (GMAS) in a statement issued here said that the general body of GMAS has decided to hold SEZ Hatao Yatras in North and South Goa simultaneously from December 10 to 17, culminating into a protest morcha demanding cancellation of all SEZs including the two notified ones in Goa.
The GMAS said that the following two separate committees have been formed to organise the yatras -North Goa - Mr Upendra Gaonkar, Mr Trajan D’Mello, Mr Jeevan Mayekar, Mr Amol Navelkar, Mr Damu Naik, Mrs Nirmala Sawant, Mr Soter D’Souza, Mr Marcel Pereira, Mr Floriano Lobo, Mr George de Souza and Mr John Lobo. South Goa - Mr Oscar Martins, Mr Socorro D’Souza, Mr Laurel Abranches, Mr Sidhanath Buyao, Mr Mahesh Naik, Mr Ajay Pereira and Ms Auda Viegas.

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Students pledge to fight unitedly against SEZs

BY HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 30 – Close to 200 college-going students marched the streets of Panjim Friday afternoon shouting slogans against SEZs and later pledged to fight unitedly against the setting up of the zones.
The rally organised under the banner of Youth For Goa took off from the Panjim Bus Stand and after a one-hour march culminated at the Azad Maidan where YFG Convenor Malisa Simoes and other students spoke.
Simoes, who pelted out the ill-effects of the zones, appealed to the State Government to scrap all SEZs, including the two notified ones. Durgadas Kamath of All Goa Students Forum, Clifton Campos of Saraswat College and Geeta Joshi also chided the Government on SEZs.
They all reiterated in unison that the Government was riding piggy back on them to sell Goa in the name of employment to youth.

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Bio-tech SEZ at Sancoale faces stiff opposition from locals

BY HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, NOV 30 – NGOs and Sancoalkars in particular raised their voice against the proposed ‘Peninsula Life Science Center, a bio-tech SEZ at Sancoale in a meeting called by SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) at Fr Joseph Vaz Sanctuary, late Thursday evening.
The on-going agitation against SEZ is gaining momentum each day and Sancoale is no exception to it, where they proved their opposition by attending a meeting in large numbers, which was later joined by around 200 villagers from Keri-Ponda, who had specially come to garner their support against the proposed SEZ at Sancoale.
Convener of Jagrut Goem, Arvind Bhatikar in the meeting, exposing the government’s proposed Research and Development (RND) bio-tech SEZ claimed that it would generate 25,000 employment opportunities, whereas if all the RND Universities of India are brought together at one place such a huge number for employment is not possible and that even the alleged land admeasuring around 2.04 lakh sq mts was not required for the project.

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SEZ Virodhi Manch holds meet at Sancoale

NT News Service

Margao, Nov 30 Recalling the intense struggle against Nylon 66, where the women had played a crucial role, Ms Swati Kerkar of Keri called upon Goan women to come out in full force against the ill-conceived SEZ policy of the government.

Keeping the pressure against the government’s SEZ policy and in its bid to create awareness on the issue, the SEZ Virodhi Manch organized a meeting at Sancoale, on Thursday evening.

A large gathering of villagers from Sancoale and Cortalim attended the meeting.

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Bambolim construction project: CM agrees to issue stop work orders

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Nov 12 Conceding to demand of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat today agreed to immediately issue stop work orders against the massive construction project coming up on the Bambolim plateau that involved hill cutting.

Earlier during the day, the GBA activists demonstrated near the Chief Minister’s residence demanding stoppage of the construction work and scrapping of the SEZs in Goa.

Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, the GBA convenor, Dr Oscar Rebello, who led a delegation of the GBA and others before the Chief Minister today, said that Mr Kamat gave them a patient hearing and agreed to issue stop work orders against the Bambolim project immediately. While the Chief Minister studies the matter, “the GBA will have to keep a watch on this”, Dr Rebello said.

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TCP exposed on hill cutting

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 12 – The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department was today thoroughly exposed by the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) over the project at Bambolim when at a meeting it came to light that the TCP department succumbed to pressure from project developers for withdrawing stop work orders and the police complaint.
During a meeting on Monday between the chief minister and the GBA, the chief town planner Morad Ahmad revealed that the stop work orders issued on the project last year were withdrawn on the grounds that the orders could not be in force indefinitely and a decision has to be taken as a year had almost lapsed.

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Bambolim hill cutting: GBA to inspect file

BY HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 11 - Not willing to lie low, Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Sunday said its members would go to the Town and Country Planning to inspect the file regarding regularisation of hill cutting by the Government in survey Nos 95/1 and 96/1 of the Aldeia de Goa project of M/s Goan Real Estate and Constructions Ltd.
The media highlighted the regularisation of the cutting of slopes at Bambolim where the project is coming up to make way for posh villas some of which have been booked by well-known personalities.

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Shock as govt approves Bambolim hill cutting

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 10 — In what appears to be a volte-face, the State government has regularised the cutting of hill slopes at Bambolim by withdrawing ‘stop work’ orders and the police complaint against M/s Goan Real Estate and Constructions Ltd (GREL).
In an order issued earlier this month, the Town and Country Planning Department has intimated all departments concerned of the government’s decision to withdraw the ‘stop work’ orders at survey numbers 95/1 and 96/1 in Bambolim village.
The TCP order also states that the government has decided to withdraw the complaint lodged by the Agassaim police under section 17-A of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1974.

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Assembly passes Goa Land Revenue bill

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, March 8 The state assembly today passed the Goa Land Revenue (modification and regularisation of grants under decree No 3602 dated 24-11-1917) Bill, the Goa Municipalities (amendment) Bill, the Goa Agricultural Produce Marketing (development and regulation) Bill and the Goa Town and Country Panning (amendment) Bill.

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Narvekar assures probe into Canacona sale deeds

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, March 7 The Minister for Law, Mr Dayanand Narvekar today gave an assurance that he would initiate an inquiry into a sale deed, involving sale of large area of land near the coastline at Loliem, in Canacona taluka, by referring the matter to the Collector, South Goa.

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Tripartite pact signed to conserve Reis Magos fortress

HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MarCH 2 – In a major step towards conservation of 550-year old Reis Magos fortress, a tripartite agreement was signed today between the Goa government, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Helen Hamlyn Trust (HHT), UK.

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DLF bags Rs 400 cr convention contract

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 2 — DLF, a giant group in real estate and allied sector, has bagged the contract for the around Rs 400 crore international convention centre proposed at Dona Paula.

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Malaysians in buying bid to save forests, says report

Tue Feb 27, 12:15 PM ET
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian environmental and residents' groups are joining forces to buy swathes of forest in a desperate bid to save them from developers, a report said Tuesday. Four groups, including WWF Malaysia and a residents' group from Petaling Jaya, a satellite town near Kuala Lumpur, will set up a national conservation trust fund to collect money to buy land. More than 60 other non-governmental organisations and residents' associations have also pledged their support for the proposal, said the New Straits Times.

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IT Habitat not a SEZ: Narvekar

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 23 The Minister for Information Technology, Mr Dayanand Narvekar today said that neither will the proposed Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat be a Special Economic Zone, nor any IT unit coming up at the habitat would be allowed to develop the land for residential construction purpose.

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IT Habitat land given for malls, alleges Parrikar

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 23 The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar today alleged that the government is involved in unscrupulous sale of land around the state, including that reserved for the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, at Dona Paula.

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GBA hand’s six-point charter to CM’s office

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 22 Hoping to clear the residual ill-effects of the now-withdrawn Regional Plan 2011, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan today demanded that the government should direct all planning and licensing departments in the state not to issue any permissions regarding acquisitions, development and constructions in any zone as per Regional Plan 2011.

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Govt planning gas-based power plant in state: CM

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Feb 20 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane has said that the government was thinking of setting up a gas-based power plant, and that it has asked Crystal Consultants, a government of India undertaking, to submit a report after studying the economics of bringing gas and setting up the plant.

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SEZs are necessary in state to generate jobs, says Rane

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 19 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane today said that Special Economic Zones were necessary in the state to generate employment to the educated youth of Goa and stop their “migration” to other states.

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Canacona residents for action against illegal shacks

NT News Service

Canacona, Feb 18 The residents of Canacona have requested the chief officer of the Canacona municipality to take immediate action on illegal shacks and tents which are erected at Rajbhag (Tarir) beach by a hotel.

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SEZs are necessary in state to generate jobs, says Rane

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 19 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane today said that Special Economic Zones were necessary in the state to generate employment to the educated youth of Goa and stop their “migration” to other states.

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State not interested in gobbling GU land: CM

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 19 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane said that the state was not interested in gobbling up land owned by the Goa University, but just wanted that 50 acre plot of land for a convention center, which will be useful for people in the state.

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Tourism Dept land up for grabs?

HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 12 — Is land acquired by the Tourism Department in the coastal village of Colva up for grabs? Indeed, this question has returned back to haunt the Tourism Department again, as unscrupulous elements are believed to have encroached upon acquired land in Colva, by putting up pucca structures and leasing out the same to Laamanis and others.

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Zone changes in Margao ODPIs builders’ lobby responsible?

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 12 – The ill-effects of haphazard planning have returned to haunt the Town and Country Planning Department.
Reports say that according to the Outline Development Plan (ODP) for Margao, a tenanted paddy field has been converted into a settlement zone.

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Involve people in decision making, GBA urges govt

NT News Desk

Panaji, Feb 11 The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has urged the government to go a step forward by involving the people of Goa in the decision-making and formulation of a new people-centric regional plan

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Foreigners acquiring land in Goa

Srinand Jha-Hindustan Times

New Delhi, February 10, 2007

The tiny tourist state of Goa might hardly have bargained for a better script in an election year: a scandalous and potentially explosive campaign involving the alleged illegal purchase of agricultural land by Britons, Russians, Germans and Italians -- with the sleaze, sex and drugs angle to it as well.

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Notification withdrawing Regional Plan issued

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Feb 7 The state government today issued notification withdrawing the revised Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect from August 10, 2006, the date it was notified in the state gazette.

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Another hill cutting case registered

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 7 — A day after Maina Curtorim police registered three seperate cases against hill cutting and land filling, their Cuncolim counterparts on Wednesday initiated action against unknown persons for hill cutting activity.

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Regional Plan ordinance an ‘eyewash’: Parrikar

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 7 – It looks like the controversy over Regional Plan (RP) 2011 has not yet ended. The Leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar today charged that the ordinance issued by the State Government on February 5, amending the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1994 facilitating withdrawal of RP with retrospective effective is in fact is “defective”.

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Dovondem farmers to intensify stir against land acquisition

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 7 — Affected farmers from the Dovondem-Ambaji area at the entrance to Margao city are bracing up to intensify their ongoing battle against what they term as the forceful acquisition of their farming land by the government in the name of development.

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RP 2011 axed retrospectively

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 7 – The much awaited notification scrapping the Regional Plan 2011 was finally issued today evening with the Chief Town Planner of the Town and Country Planning department, under government directions, withdrawing the revised RP 2011 with retrospective effect.

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TCP offences registered in S Goa

NT News Service

Margao, Feb 6 The South Goa police have registered three cases under Town and Country Planning Act of filling up of low lying areas, hill cutting and blasting.

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Ordinance to axe Plan 2011 promulgated

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 5 – An Ordinance was tonight promulgated by the Governor S C Jamir empowering the government to amend Town & Country Planning (TCP) for withdrawing a Regional Plan.

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Row over development of tenanted land at Merces Tenants want TCP permission revoked

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MERCES, FEB 5 - Development of a tenanted land at Morombi-O-Grande in Merces, allegedly without the consent of the tenants, has snowballed into a major controversy, with the tenants, led by Suresh Pilarnekar, opposing the project tooth and deciding to thwart any further destruction of fruit-bearing trees like coconuts and mangoes.

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Ordinance to axe Plan 2011 promulgated

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 5 – An Ordinance was tonight promulgated by the Governor S C Jamir empowering the government to amend Town & Country Planning (TCP) for withdrawing a Regional Plan.

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Goa’s beauties scarred by garbage

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 4 – After Panjim, the problem of solid waste management — collection, treatment and disposal — is now raising its ugly head in coastal areas.
That garbage has become a menace along the coastal belt is evident from the overflowing waste dumps and littered roads.

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Denotification of Regional Plan expected to come out by Monday

NT Staff Reporter

Panaji, Feb 3 The denotification of the controversial Regional Plan 2011 is expected to come out by Monday evening, February 5, 2007, when the necessary amendments will be circulated before the cabinet and an ordinance will be issued.

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CRZMA does a volte face on Joggers Park

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 3 — In a new twist to the controversial Joggers Park at Caranzalem, the Goa Coastal Regulatory Zone Management Authority (CRZMA) has discharged its stay on the project subject to fulfillment of conditions including removal of concrete structures within the ‘No Development Zone.’

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End of RP 2011 nears

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 3 — Bowing to people’s wishes, the State government has initiated the process to amend the Town & Country Planning (TCP) Act empowering itself to denotify the Regional Plan 2011.

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CRZMA does a volt face on Joggers Park

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 3 — In a new twist to the controversial Joggers Park at Caranzalem, the Goa Coastal Regulatory Zone Management Authority (CRZMA) has discharged its stay on the project subject to fulfillment of conditions including removal of concrete structures within the ‘No Development Zone.’

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CCP councillors oppose joggers’ park

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 31 The Planning and Development Authority has proposed that a joggers’ park should be constructed along Panaji-Dona Paula highway by the Corporation of the City of Panaji. But this proposal today met with stiff opposition from CCP councillors at a meeting.

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Illegal hill-cutting stopped at Cansaulim

NT News Service
Vasco, Jan 31 The deputy collector and sub-divisional magistrate, Mormugao, Mr Levinson Martins stopped the work of hill-cutting undertaken by the assistant engineer, PWD Division-VI, Baina at Murdi, Cansaulim near Queeny Nagar without obtaining proper permission from the Town and Country Planning Department.

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GBA warns Government against playing tricks

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
OLD GOA, JAN 30 - While hailing the government’s decision to denotify the Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect, Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) Dr Oscar Rebello warned that the GBA would agitate with renewed vigour, in case the government played “tricks” regarding the de-notification. Dr Rebello was speaking at the function organised by GBA in front of the Gandhi’s statue at Old Goa on Tuesday, to pay respects to him on his death anniversary.

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Navelim villagers oppose construction of fuel pump

HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 30 —The Navelim Panchayat gram sabha has adopted a resolution to revoke permission granted to a petrol pump at Fradilem on grounds that the party has misrepresented certain facts. Residents of the locality where the petrol pump is proposed assembled in large numbers at the gram sabha meeting and demanded that the permission issued to the pump be revoked.

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FEMA permits purchase of land by foreigners: Ferreira

by Abdul Rauf Beig

NT ARTICLE 29TH JAN 07: PEOPLE OF the state have been raising questions over land deals between locals and foreigners. Our senior reporterAbdul Rauf Beig spoke to Mr Carlos A Ferreira, Assistant Solicitor General of India and former advocate general of the state talks about laws relating to the land acquisition by foreigners in the country in an attempt to find answers to the vexed problem.

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Govt. engaging in official land loots: Parrikar

HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 29 – Continuing its onslaught against the government, days after the conclusion of the Goa assembly session, Opposition leader  Manohar Parrikar today charged the  government of allegedly engaging itself in official land loots in the state of Goa. Addressing a press conference today Parrikar said that through various means the government has allegedly acquired, distributed and sold around 1.10 crore square meters of land for industrial and IT  purpose.

Meanwhile, sources said that the government is considering amending the TCP Act.

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GBA to focus on Gram Sabhas

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 28 — Promising to be ever vigilant, Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Sunday vowed to strengthen village gram sabhas by conducting awareness programmes and workshops to sensitise them about their immense powers to stop land illegalities. Addressing a press conference at GBA Secretary Patricia Pinto’s residence at Campal, here, Convenor Dr Oscar Rebello welcomed the decision of the government to de-notify the Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect, i.e. from the day it was notified.

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R-Day gift: RP-2011 put to rest

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 26 — The Goa government today decided to denotify the controversial Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect even as several village panchayats across the State passed resolutions demanding the same at gram sabhas on Friday. “Yes, we have decided to revoke the Regional Plan 2011 with effect from August 10, 2006 when it was notified”, the Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane told Herald on Friday morning. He reiterated that the decision has been taken to respect the sentiments of  the people.

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Communidade Code changes sought

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 24 — The government introduced a Bill in the Assembly seeking to amend the Code of Communidade, so as to provide for grant of communidade land, not exceeding 2 lakh sq mt, on lease, without auction, to any non-polluting industry.

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GBA warns ruling MLAs over RP-2011

HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, JAN 24 – The Goa Bachao Abhiyan has noted with dismay that inspite of the public demand to de-notify the Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect ie from 10.8.2006, the MLA’s who constitute the ruling alliance ie the Congress, NCP and MGP have not made their stand clear on the floor of the House which is currently in session.

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De-notification of Plan still haunts assembly

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 24 - The debate over whether the controversial Regional Plan 2011 can be de-notified still continues as the Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar today said the government would have to bring a law to get the Plan rescinded.

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CM rules out denotifying Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 23- Amidst noisy scenes, the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, today assured the legislative assembly that he would inquire into missing records pertaining to comments from the public on Regional Plan 2011 from the files of the town and country planning department, but ruled out denotifying the plan with retrospective effect.

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2011 Plan opened over 6.80 crore sq mt area for settlement

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 23 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane today informed the House that there has been approximately 6,802 hectares, that is around 7 crore sq mt increase in area in the settlement zone, in Regional Plan 2011 over the earlier regional plan. The areas are approximate as worked out from the regional plan map, he added.

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Govt won’t allow bauxite mining project in Loliyem

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 23 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane today assured the state legislative assembly that the Goa government would not allow bauxite mining project to be set up in Loliyem village in Canacona taluka.

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New Regional Plan in 4 months: Jamir

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 22 The Governor, Mr S C Jamir has said that the government has decided to actively pursue the public-private-partnership (PPP) model to meet the gaps in infrastructure services. Delivering the customary address to the state legislative assembly on the opening day of this year’s first session, Mr Jamir said that a PPP cell has been set up to coordinate various actions required for successful implementation of the PPP programme.

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GBA should keep vigil on illegalities: Willy

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 20 If the Goa Bachao Abhiyan is really sincere in its concern to save Goa and its ecology, it should continue to keep vigil over illegalities and bring them to the notice of the government for necessary action. This was said at a press conference today by the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Wilfred de Souza.

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'Denotification can’t be with retrospective effect'

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 19 The Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh today said that the denotification of the Regional Plan 2011 cannot be done with retrospective effect, thus indicating that the permissions given for land conversions under the plan stands true. “I have however asked the collector for the details of all land conversions that have taken place in the state since the plan was notified in August 2006,” he added.

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Why govt. decided to scrap Regional Plan

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 19 – Undoubtedly, it was people’s power that compelled the Rane government to announce denotification of the Regional Plan 2011. But there are many other factors, which made those in power to do a re-think on the issue. These include political impact in the forthcoming elections, fear of public anger, legal implications and environmental damage among others.

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Controversy over Plan denotification

Scrap it with retrospective effect or face the music, govt told
BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 19 – The war against Regional Plan 2011 is not over yet. The decision taken by the Rane government on Thursday evening to denotify the controversial Regional Plan 2011 with prospective effect has created an unrest once again among the activists as they expected that the scrapping of Plan would be done with retrospective effect – August 10, 2006.

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Hill cutting reported at Sancoale, Raia

VASCO, JAN 19 - Yet another instance of hill cutting in Mormugao taluka prompted a team of government officials to inspect Sindolim ward in  Sancoale on Thursday morning.
Following a complaint from an anonymous caller about rampant hill cutting in Sindolim, Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins along with the Talathi of Sancoale and field surveyor attached to Mormugao Mamlatdar office inspected the site.

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What they say

Dr Oscar Rebello, GBA convenor:
This is a tremendous victory for the people, but we still have to be vigilant and keep insisting on reforms at the grassroots level. I think government understands its role as a partner of people. So, henceforth it should seek greater participation of people in developmental process.
Babush Monserrate, former TCP minister:
We have gone by the demand of the public. But, I still stand by the Plan and I have nothing personal in it.
Dr Wilfred de Souza, NCP chief & Dy CM:
Good ending. It’s a good thing…. That’s what people wanted.
Dayanand Narvekar, Law Minister:
Since the government had notified the Plan, it has powers to de-notify it as well.
Manohar Parrikar, Leader of Opposition:
May be it’sjust a policy decision and not a actual decision. But it is   deceptive decision. I will not believe it until a legally full-proof notification is issued. There should be no loophole in the notification allowing anyone to challenge it in the court of law.
Pandurang Raut, MGP President:
Government should act on its decision and scrap the plan.

GBA welcomes cabinet decision

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 18 Welcoming decision on de-notification of the Regional Plan 2011, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan has said that it would remain ever vigilant to prevent any anti-environmental activities in the state.

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Govt to denotify Regional Plan 2011

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 18 Bowing to the public outcry, the state cabinet today decided to denotify the Regional Plan 2011 and draw a fresh regional plan for the next 10 years, up to 2017.

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Can the Regional Plan be de-notified?

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 18 – The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) decision bewildered many but the main question that was being asked was whether there is a legal provision in the law to de-notify the Regional Plan. This was one of the main grounds that prompted those in political circles and builders’ lobby in the last many days, to say that the government would not be able to scrap the Plan.

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A day after ……… ministers ponder

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 17 — With Goa Bachao Abhiyan’s mammoth public meeting at the historic Lohia Maidan echoing across Salcete and beyond, the people’s power seems to have literally prompted heavyweight politicians from the taluka — especially the ministers — to sit and do a rethink on the issue.

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T&CP Board to revise Regional Plan 2011: CM

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 17 Emphasising that his government was open to discussions to resolve the issue pertaining the Regional Plan 2011, the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane, said that Town and Country Planning Board would revise the whole plan incorporating the justifiable demands of the people.
The Chief Minister told reporters late this evening that the T&CP Board met today and discussed the issue and decided to throw open the whole plan for public scrutiny and invite objections, suggestions and then incorporate the genuine changes in the larger public interests.

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Crucial cabinet meet today: all eyes on NCP, MGP

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 17 – The State Cabinet is meeting on Thursday to discuss the controversial Regional Plan 2011 with all eyes on the coalition partners – NCP and MGP. Both the NCP and MGP have been making statements demanding scrapping of the Regional Plan 2011. NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred de Souza has also publicly made statements saying the RP should be scrapped. MGP President Pandurang Raut is also on record making the same demand.

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GBA representatives to meet Governor today

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 17 At the invitation of the Governor, Mr S C Jamir, representatives of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan will meet him tomorrow to discuss the controversial Regional Plan 2011. The meeting of the GBA representatives scheduled with the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane, today evening, however could not take place as Mr Rane was held up in some prior engagement.

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Seek your MLAs’ opposition to Regional Plan 2011, GBA to people

NT News Service
Margao, Jan 16 Intensifying its fight against the Regional Plan 2011, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan today exhorted the people of Goa to gherao their MLAs and seek their opposition to the plan in writing, repeatedly restraining them until they agree to support the scraping of the Regional Plan by January 22.

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Activists signal war over Regional Plan

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 16 — Intensifying the ongoing agitation against the Regional Plan 2011, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Tuesday gave a clarion call to the people of Goa to agitate in the strongest possible manner against what it called the most non-responsive, uncaring government and its entire system of governance having failed the people of Goa.

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An unprecedented show of strength

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 16 — Emotion rent the air as activists thundered, youth danced and singers dazzled as the historic Lohia Maidan and its approach lanes turned into a sea of humanity on Tuesday — unparalleled in the last two decades.

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Scrap Plan, reiterates GBA

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 15 – Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes was the lone MLA to demand for scrapping of the Regional Plan 2011.
Sources said during the discussion on RP 2011 at the CLP meeting, Fernandes disagreed with the majority that the Plan should be kept for review and public scrutiny. She said the manner in which changes have been made — totally different from those shown in the draft proposal, without consultation at the grass-root level and considering the damage it would do the ecology of the State — the Plan needs to be scrapped.
She also reminded her colleagues that during a CLP meeting on the TCP Ordinance more than a year ago, she had cautioned them of the public sentiments against such moves and demanded that it be denotified.

CLP proposes public scrutiny of Regional Plan

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 15 – Relenting to public pressure, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today recommended to the State government to keep the controversial Regional Plan 2011 for public scrutiny for 60 days. This was decided at a special meeting of CLP comprising Congress MLAs, held at the chief minister’s official residence, Altinho here, to discuss the controversial Regional Plan.

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Councillors caught off guard at Quepem meeting

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
QUEPEM, JAN 15 - Councillors of Quepem Municipal Council (QMC) attending a public meeting on the Regional Plan 2011 were caught off guard when they were asked to justify a proposed housing project at Sirvoi-Quepem. During the meeting, Ajay Pereira of the Quepem Civic and Consumer Forum raised the issue of a proposed housing project at Sirvoi worth crores of rupees and sought to know if the councillors were aware of the project.

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Scrap it, says Victoria

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 15 — Rejecting CLP’s decision, Goa Bachao Abhiyan has reiterated its demand that the Regional Plan 2011 should be scrapped in toto and de-notified.

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Denotification gains ground. Ultimatum on Regional Plan ends today

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 14 – Since the public protest intensified against the controversial Regional Plan  for the period ending 2011, Town & Country Planning Minister Babush Monserrate quit office while the Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane who holds the portfolio, now says it will be referred to the State Planning Board.

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Save Goa cries greet Rane

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 13 — Loud cries of “Scrap Regional Plan” and “save Goa” “stop mining at Canacona” resounded at the inaugural ceremony of the 12th Goa Yuva Festival at BPS Club grounds here on Saturday, literally taking Chief Minister off guard, with an embarassed  Pratapsing Rane re-assuring to review the Plan - a promise which had hardly any takers.

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GBA reiterates demand for withdrawal of Regional Plan

NT New Service
Margao, Jan 13 Describing the Regional Plan 2011 as a “draconian act” and relating it to the code of Draco, the seventh century BC Athenian statesman, whose code of laws prescribed death, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan today reiterated its demand to the government to withdraw the same by January 15 failing which it will face a sustained agitation.

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Hill cutting raises its ugly head in Taleigao again

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 13 – Hill cutting raised  its ugly head in Taleigao yet again on Saturday morning, this time at Sailem Bhat, even as Saturdays and Sundays are turning out to be favourite days for the activity.

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Storm brewing over Loliem mining plan

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
POINGUINIM, JAN 12 — Moves by the government to lease out 471.21 hectares of land at Loliem-Polem to a Gujarat-based party to extract ore has evoked public anger in and around Loliem, with resentment spreading to Karwar as well.Over 700 residents attended a special Gram Sabha meeting on Friday to register their stiff opposition to the project, with speakers cutting across political lines urging the government to drop the project.

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Forum holds meet at Mapusa against regional plan

NT News Service
Mapusa, Jan 12 The agitation against the Goa Regional Plan 2011 will be intensified if the government fails to scrap the plan by the 15th of this month. At a meeting held at the Mapusa taxi stand today, speaker after speaker of the Goa Bachao Abhiyaan emphasised that the Regional plan 2011 has to be done away with, at any cost.

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Ensure Regional Plan 2011 is scrapped: GBA

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MAPUSA, JAN 12 — The Goa Bachao Andolan (GBA) on Friday gave a clarion call to all youth to organise themselves to lead a full-fledged agitation against the government to ensure the scrapping of the controversial Regional Plan 2011.Addressing a largely attended public meeting at the Mapusa taxi stand, GBA Convenor Dr Oscar Rebello said the people of Goa are sick of the political system in the State, which is not sensitive to the issues and problems affecting the common man.

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Govt orders arrest of persons violating environmental laws

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 10 The Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh today directed immediate arrests of the persons involved in illegal activities including violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) Act, which are detrimental to the environment of the state.

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Govt ‘hurried’ in acquiring land along River Sal| Faleiro mooted proposal

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 10 — Herald investigations into the PWD road construction along the banks of River Sal in Carmona has revealed that the government and authorities displayed “urgency” in acquiring land for the road leading to uninhabited areas of the village.

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CRZ violations along River Sal stopped

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 9 — In a swift action, Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao Dipak Dessai on Tuesday directed the PWD, Div XXV to stop all illegal land filling, cutting of mangroves, digging and construction of the controversial road on the banks of River Sal in Carmona village.The PWD Executive Engineer has been further directed to appear before the SDM with all documents, permissions and sanctions from the concerned authorities on January 18 at 10.30 am.
Directions have further gone to the Salcete Mamlatdar and the Colva police inspector to implement the order forthwith till further orders. An order has been issued to the Salcete Mamlatdar to submit a detailed report on the illegal road development activities before January 18 and to file a check-list immediately.

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CRZ violated to profit politician?

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 8 — Lush green mangroves along the banks of River Sal have fallen victim to the PWD’s grandiose road project in Carmona village — causing damage to the fragile ecology — even as apprehensions are raised of CRZ violations by Government agencies laying the road through uninhabited areas of the village.

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Goa Bachao’s ultimatum to govt over regional plan

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 6 As a future course of action to persist with its demand to scrap the Regional Plan 2011, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) today asked the government to de-notify the 10-year public document by January 15, 2007, failing which a large public meeting would be held at the Lohia Maidan, Margao, on January 16. A meeting of the representatives of various non-government organisations and agencies under the GBA umbrella, met at the T B Cunha hall earlier in the day, to chalk out the future course of action.

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Officials visit hill cutting site at Siridao

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 5 — Massive hill cutting  along the Siridao's coastal belt was on Friday stopped by the authorities following protests  from Goa Bachao Adolan (GBA) activists. The directions came after a site inspection was carried out in presence of the Goa Bachao Adolan  activists by the Additional Collector, North Swapnil Naik and other officials.

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RP could have been discussed under Rule 11: Parrikar

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 4 – Ministers in the Congress-led government may wash off their hands over the approval granted to the controversial Regional Plan 2011 by claiming that plan was approved through circulation of a note which left them no scope to register their protests, the Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar however stated that under Rule 11 of the Business Rules of the House, ministers could have demanded discussion in the cabinet on the RP.

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‘Go to hell’, Eduardo tells journalists

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 4 — Was the Government trying to suppress the voice of NRGs attending the three-day Global Goans’ convention 2007?
While the open session on day-two started at 3.45 pm at the Secretariat in Porvorim, members of the media, surprisingly, were not allowed to attend the session. 
Media persons were disappointed at not being let in to cover the session that was to highlight the grievances of NRGs and assurances made by the Government. “Why is the Government trying to suppress the voice of  NRIs?,” questioned journalists who were standing outside the conference hall guarded by security personnel.

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GBA activists receive threats, file complaints

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 4 – Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan Dr Oscar Rebello and Secretary Patricia Pinto have filed separate complaints at the Town Police Station, here, fearing threats to their lives and that of the activists of the Abhiyan on account of their agitation against the Goa Regional Plan 2011. 

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Agitation to continue: Dr Rebello

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 4 The convener of Goa Bachao Abhiyan, Dr Oscar Rebello today said that he would not react to the resignation of the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monseratte. Dr Rebello said that the Abhiyan would continue until the Regional Plan 2011 is scrapped.

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Govt to seek expert views on regional plan

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 3 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane today said that the Regional Plan 2011 would be put up before the cabinet for discussion, adding “the government also intends to obtain the views of the experts on the 10-year public document.”

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Monserrate resigns, may form third front

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 3 In a sudden development, the beleaguered Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, facing widespread protests and criticism from different quarters over the Regional Plan 2011, tonight resigned from the state cabinet headed by Mr Pratapsing Rane.
Sources close to Mr Monserrate, who has been at the receiving end ever since the Regional Plan 2011 was notified, confirmed the reports of his tendering resignation from the council of ministers.

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Black Day observed at Taleigao

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 31 The Goa Bachao Abhiyan today observed Black Day at Taleigao demanding immediate scrapping of the Regional Plan 2011. A protest morcha led by the GBA convenor, Dr Oscar Rebello was taken around Taleigao, past the house of the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, this morning, with the participants wearing black badges and carrying black flags.

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Hill cutting: Orda local pays price for raising voice

BY HERALD REPORTER
CALANGUTE, DEC 30 — Early morning of December 30, around 3 am, the family of Mr Damian Teles of Orda, Candolim awoke to find their house engulfed by fire. The incident was brought to light when Mrs Isabel Teles, mother of Damien Teles was awakened by a strong crackling sound on the roof tiles, only to later realize that their house was set on fire.

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Keep off Odxel, NCP warns Dinar, Babush

HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, DEC 29 — The  Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has warned  builder Dinar Tarcar and Town and Country Planning Minister Babush Monserrate to keep off  Salesian property at Odxel, admonishing  that any further effort at blackmail  would trigger a violent uprising.

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Scrapping plan isn’t solution: GCCI

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 29: The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed serious concern over the demand from certain quarters to scrap the Regional Plan 2011 and replace it with the plan prepared in 1988, the Regional Plan 2001.

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Regional Plan 2011 can be altered if required: T&CP top official

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 28: The department of town and country planning is of the opinion that the Regional Plan 2011 can still be altered if suitable and constructive suggestions are made. “The alternatives suggested should however be better than the existing ones,” said a top department official.
Speaking exclusively to ‘The Navhind Times’, the official said that scrapping the 10-year policy document accompanied by maps, diagrams, illustrations and descriptive matters is no solution to any problem.

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Caranzalem park in eye of storm

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 28 – With the pressure mounting for scrapping of Regional Plan 2011, more and more illegalities relating to land developments are coming to light reinforcing the apprehensions of ‘Save Goa’ activists.

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Archbishop gives clean up call to State legislators

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 28 – Step-by-step development process is needed for the benefit of Goa. This was stated by His Grace Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao while addressing a distinguished gathering of guests comprising of His Excellency Governor S C Jamir, Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred D’Souza, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, Consular Corp and members of Goa’s bureaucratic service.

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Regional Plan 2011: Forum to take agitation to grassroots

NT News Service
Margao, Dec 27: Goa Bachao Abhiyan, has decided to take the agitation to the grass roots as a part of their campaign against the Regional Plan 2011. It has organised an exhibition which has been made available for public viewing at Margao from December 27 near Francis Luis Gomes Statue, Communidade Building, for the benefit of people from South Goa. Large number of the people including senior citizens visited the exhibition. Visiting people were explained about the danger of large scale land conversation and its effects.

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Concrete jungles killing Canacona forest cover

BY TONY MARTIN
CANACONA, DEC 26 — Talpona has been traditionally known for illegal constructions, which crop up like wild vegetation in the monsoons. Work is now in full swing to set up another star resort with one Virendra Mohan Trehan and Hirachand Kavalchand Bafna having bought about 4.2 lakh sq metre of thick natural forests under survey No 189/1. Besides, one Jagdish P Khanna has also bought 29,585 square metre of forestland under survey No 189/1-B.

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Save Goa movement gathers momentum GBA holds meeting in Bambolim

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 26 — Further intensifying their agitation the Goa Bachao Andolan (GBA) — Save Goa campaign — today had another meeting in Bambolim demonstrating opposition to ‘selling’ Goa to real estate developers.

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Shame, scandal in Canacona land deals

BY TONY MARTIN
CANACONA, DEC 25 - Canacona, hitherto a warm haven of delicious oblivion and obscurity, is now going to the dogs. Thousands of acres of prime forest lands and fragile regions are clandestinely being sold to any rich Indian or Russian.

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How Regional Plan Kills…Visit Bambolim, witness yourself

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, DEC 23 — Eager to know how the Regional Plan 2011 would cause ecological damage to Goa in the name of development? Visit the construction site at Bambolim on December 26 at 4.30 pm for a meeting and inspection organised by Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA).

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Cacra hotel project just 50 metres from HTL: Priest

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 22 – In the backdrop of the blatant hill-cutting witnessed on the night of December 15 at Odxel-Taleigao, a five-star hotel project coming up in the adjoining Cacra village in Santa Cruz constituency is allegedly coming up just 50 metres from the high tide line (HTL).

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Monserrate blasts BJP for double standards

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 21: The Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate has blasted Bharatiya Janata Party for its double standards and accused its leader, Mr Manohar Parrikar, as being opportunist and hypocrite.

Mr Monserrate told The Navhind Times today that piecemeal changes of land use under Section 17 of Town and Country Planning Act have been going on for many years and that Chief Ministers or T&CP Ministers in the past allowed the practice. He said that he also allowed such a practice, as it was permissible under the law.

The T&CP Minister said that neither the BJP nor Mr Parrikar ever found any mistake when changes in land use were allowed under Section 17 when they were in power or when the beneficiary was their relation or supporter. He also said that there were many such instances of change of land use during the BJP rule and that the bjp party never thought it wise to stop the practice.

He also said that during the tenure of Mr Prakash Phadte as T&CP Minister during the earlier rule of the BJP, such changes were made. He also said that Mr Parrikar himself asked him (Monserrate) to permit change of land use as regards to a plot of land at Guirim and the beneficiary was Parrikar’s relative.
The T&CP Minister further said that Mr Parrikar during his tenure as chief minister directed the T&CP department to permit construction of a building where a printing press was located, disregarding ban on construction in view of proposed highway. He also said that there were many other instances where Mr Parrikar asked him to grant favours.

Charging the BJP leadership of being opportunist and trying to encash on the efforts of the non-government organisations opposing the Regional Plan 2011 by gathering a sizeable crowd, Mr Monserrate said that though the plan was notified in August this year, the BJP leaders did not find it appropriate to say anything about it till they saw the gathering at Azad Maidan.

He also questioned administrative competence of Mr Parrikar saying that he not only failed to stop changes, if they were wrong, but also did not make any efforts to finalise the regional plan, which should have been done in 2001. He also said that a true leader leads from the front and does not blame his “soldiers” for his defeat.

The T&CP Minister rebutted the charge that Mr Parrikar had stripped him of the T&CP portfolio during the BJP rule because of corruption adding that not even once did Mr Parrikar brought to his notice that people were complaining about corrupt practices by him. Mr Monserrate said that the regional Plan 2011 was finalised after following all the procedures and guidelines as laid down in the Act, even as he went on to add that the case was now before the High Court and that he would abide whatever the decision the court gives.

He further said that BJP or its representative on the sub-committee of T&CP Board, Mr Rajesh Patnekar, ever object to the drafts of the Regional Plan 2011, which was then put before the full board for consideration and then sent to the government for approval and subsequently okayed and notified.
He said that plan was finalised taking into consideration overall and all-round development in the state as he believed in development of whole state and not that of few places. He went on to add that Regional Plan was a document of concept of development.

Students urge authorities to scrap Regional Plan-2011

NT News Service
Majorda, Dec 21: The students of a city college today presented a memorandum to the Collectorate office demanding to scrap the present Regional Plan 2011. The memorandum was signed by a number of students.

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Anti-Regional Plan signatures sent to Rane, governor

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 20 — Making it doubly sure that the reverberations of the December 18 rally opposing the Regional Plan 2011 have been felt by the Chief Minister and the Governor, Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Wednesday sent a memorandum and the 6,686 signatures collected on the same day to them by registered post A.D.

Convenor of GBA Dr Oscar Rebello, who spoke to presspersons outside the Head Post Office, here, said, “We’re making it sure that our voice has been heard by the men on top as there has been no firm response on the issue after the rally. We want to show them that the sadharan nagrik (common man) is concerned about the draconian plan.”

When questioned why the Abhiyan chose to send the signatures by post when they could be handed over personally to the CM and the Governor, Dr Rebello replied, “We are ordinary people occupied with our daily lives. Why should we seek an appointment and stand in line to meet them? You think we have the time? Let them know they’re also ordinary citizens and not above the wishes of the people.”

The convenor of the umbrella organisation stressed that in no uncertain terms the GBA would expect any negotiations on the plan. Our foremost demand is for the plan to be completely scrapped, he asserted. Dr Rebello further said even though GBA’s present focus is on the Regional Plan, it would not hitch from taking up issues arising out of mining, sewage, waste disposal, industrial pollution, etc.

Co-Convenor Sabina Martins (Bailancho Saad), who was also present, said GBA is a people’s movement gradually taking shape. We are in the process of appointing coordinators in far off villages to give the movement a definite shape.
Roland Martins, Advocate Satish Sonak, Dilip Padgaonkar, Anand Madgavkar and Agnel Pinto were part of the delegation.

No land conversions for another 8 weeks, Govt informs Court

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 18: The government today informed the Division Bench of Bombay High Court that it would not implement the Regional Plan 2011 for another eight weeks. The government had made a similar statement some weeks ago and stopped implementation of the plan.

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Regional Plan outbursts reverberate in Delhi

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 18 — The massive public meeting at Azad Maidan here demanding scrapping of Regional Plan found its echoes in the corridors of power in New Delhi with Congress President Sonia Gandhi too showing keen interest on the issue.

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Goenkars serve ultimatum to Govt

BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 18 — Thousands of angry citizens from across the State who attended a public meeting at Azad Maidan here today served an ultimatum of January 15, 2007 on the Rane government to scrap the controversial Regional Plan or face dire consequences.

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Religious bodies join protest

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 16: The Church today once again emphasised its objection to the Regional Plan 2011 because the people of the state were not consulted during its formulation and because the plan does not maintain the proper balance of planning.

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If court scraps plan, I’ll accept it: Monserrate

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 16: The Minister for Town and Country Planning, Mr Atanasio Monserrate today called upon the opponents of the Regional Plan 2011 to wait until the court verdict regarding the same, declaring, “if the court directs scrapping the plan, I would readily accept it.”

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Organisations gear up for anti-regional plan rally

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Dec 16: The opposition to the Regional Plan 2011 is building up with political parties, religious leaders, intellectuals and professionals, besides non-government organisations joining their hands against the “controversial public document” valid for a period of 10 years from 2001 to 2011.

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Tenants Association opposes new Regional Plan 2011

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Oct 28: The Goa, Daman and Diu Mundkars-Tenants Association today opposing the new Regional Plan 2011, demanded that the government put an immediate stop to the conversion of agricultural lands into non-agricultural lands.

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Govt urged to withdraw Regional Plan

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Oct 11: The Goa Heritage Action Group has urged the state government to withdraw the Final Regional Plan 2001 published by the Town and Country Planning this August 2006 as it has raised several questions regarding the proposed settlement areas.

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Russian mafia's building it up in Goa

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2006 12:28:41 AM]
NEW DELHI: The National Security Council (NSC) has said the Russian mafia is making huge real estate investments in Goa. In a document detailing potential threats to national security via FDI, the NSC said the Russian mafia is using the real estate route to pump in money as the sector comes under automatic approval, requiring little scrutiny. The NSC, which has been arguing the need for identifying sensitive sectors and locations for FDI, said there was a need for reviewing such investments.

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