------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO ------------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 10th November will focus on the implications of Goa's Regional Plan 2011 & ODP's. If one would take a closer look at the Final Regional Plan 2011 for Goa one immediately gets the impression that there is a determined effort to transform Goa into a Hawaii on the west coast of the country. That the Regional Plan is tourism driven is obvious with the converting of large tracts of forest, orchard and agricultural land into settlement zones for the purpose of new Townships, luxury condominiums, 5 star hotels and Golf courses. Lest we forget, in 1987 almost 20 years ago the Goa Govt. tried to push the Tourism Master Plan which had a similar agenda as the present Regional Plan but had to shelve the same after massive peoples protest. Were the Village Panchayats, Zilla Panchayats and Municipal Councils consulted before finalizing the Regional Plan ? Will the Government of Goa discuss the Regional Plan in the Legislative Assembly before its implementation ? What will be implications for the Environment, Ecology and Identity of Goa ? Has the Govt. taken into account the carrying capacity of Goa when embarking on such a course to convert Goa into a tourism State? Will the Central Government proposals to declare Goa as a (STA) Special Tourism Area or convert the State into a Free Port be revived ? What are options of the local governing bodies, community organisations, environment groups and NGO's to get the Regional Plan 2011 withdrawn ? The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue. Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. We invite you to attend the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] best wishes, Roland Martins ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ----------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list Goanet@lists.goanet.org http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
