Dears, As has been widely reported, GSRP was represented at this rather largely attended meet organized by 'Center for Environment Education' - CEE at the Vivekananda Hall, Junta House on 8 Aug., 2008 a PowerPoint presentation by Sujitkumar Dongre of CEE.
A brief report 1. Hats off to Shri. Sujitkumar for conducting this presentation mostly in 'passable' Konkani. This is and has been much appreciated. 2. Besides a large gathering of Goa's endangered species (the Goan fisherfolks) represented by Agnelo Rodrigues, Goa's predominant environmental activist present were: Patricia Pinto, Ana Pinto, Claude Alvares, Matanhy Saldanha, Prajal Sakardande, Soter D'Souza, Ramesh Gauns, Adv. Jatin Naik and many environment and ecology sensitive citizen activists who protect and want Goa's environment protected. 3. As presented, the (main) comparison between the existing CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) and the now proposed CMZ (Coastal Management Zone). a. Regulatory V/s Management b. Clearly established 200 m. and 500 m HTL (High tide line) V/s Imaginary (adjustable) line. The Goa Su-Raj Party presented its objections publicly as under:- 1. That inspite of the Regulatory do or die CRZ provisions, the authorities vested with the controls allowed these provisions to be bent for unauthorized CRZ violations, chief among such authorities being the CZMA (Coastal Zone Management Authority) as well as the various Panchayats, including the Director and the Deputy Director of Panchayats. Example cited was the Calypso, Par Excellence and the Estrela Do Mar Hotels in the Calangute-Baga belt taken to task vide PIL 236 of 2007 Floriano Lobo V/s the State of Goa, being a mere drop in the ocean of violations in Goa's Coastal zone. That inspite of the High Court 3 month deadline to demolish all structures over 200 meter 'No Development zone', the State is still sleeping on the execution of the order. Where there is a finite 200 meter and 500 meter line drawn for such controls, the authorities have closed their eyes for selective big moneyed violations dragging ordinary citizens to court and the ordeals thereof. As against this regulatory do or die provisions, if MANAGEMENT should take its place, God only help this territory (Goa). The MANAGEMENT that is sought for is the MANAGEMENT of lacs of rupees paid under the table in the High Offices of Delhi's Authorities where the imaginary line will be moving down and down and into the sea itself with the extent of money paid into the coffers of the corrupt politicians and environment ministry officials. And for genuine persons whose life depend on such developments, the imaginary line will move up and up to impossibility until and unless money is paid, beg or borrow, we do not care attitude. To end Floriano Lobo of goasuraj stated that even the Supreme Court of India openly stated that even God will not be able to save this country from the CHEAT GOVERNMENT. That the same sentiments should be reiterated by every conscientious Goan to say NO to CMZ and YES to the Do or Die provisions of the existing CRZ. 2. Adv. Jatin Naik questioned the appointment of Prof. Swaminathan for the execution of the report where Prof Swaminathan was morally unfit to do such a report. 4. Claude Alvares passed a resolution against the Management system proposed and in favour of the existing CRZ provisions with added safeguards. 5. Ramesh Gauns clearly indicted the CMZ as a law to rob the people of Goa of their heritage of safe environment and ecological balance. End