<"As a starter, we are scrutinising all property acquired by FOREIGNERS and we have decided to ban overseas purchases of real estate here," Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Atanasio Monserrate told Agence France-Presse.But environmentalists say unchecked BUILDING is a bigger problem and is angering local residents accustomed to a more sedate style of life....The local pollution control board has warned that mining and tourism in Goa -- which attracts 12% OF THE ALMOST FOUR MILLION [foreign] tourists who visit India yearly -- have already caused irreparable ecological damage....environmentalists cite a revamped master plan unveiled in April that aims to build six NEW cities across the state, each with luxury hotels and business districts.>
Putting foreigners under the scanner when they account for only 5 lakh tourists? What are the unchecked building construction and the plan for 6 new towns/cities for? Foreigners or Indians? Let's distinguish between foreign and domestic tourism and also between frantic building construction and all-round development. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
