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16-18, May 2008 http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2008-May/073789.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Vidyadhar Gadgil <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > But regarding 'development' in villages, things are > not proceeding > as per law and procedure. In each of the cases that > are being > opposed, there are many irregularities. ----------------------------------- Dear Vid, I don't mean to undermine the work carried out by activists in halting the devastation of Goa. Nor do I presume to understand what the need of the hour is in Goa. However, Kamat is right when he says a project that has been legally cleared and above board in all respects, cannot then be stopped. If this were the case, it would be simply impossible to function as a free-market economy. Every investor would be unsure whether his investment can be protected under the provisions of the law. There are certain things we have to put our faith in, and I don't see how the current situation in Goa is strengthening the law, but rather undermining it. Parriker has suggested today that a mechanism be put in place where villages have the right to veto projects before the project gets underway. Fair enough. Given Goa's record, all this will mean is that more people will have to be bribed to get the approvals. When the RP was shelved, there was an opportunity to put in place a lot of these control mechanisms. Democracy cannot run on a daily referendum and that is what is happening in Goa. I can't help but feel this to be a downward spiral rather than an uplifting movement. selma