http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=30536&cid=26
VASCO, NOV 29 The battle against mega housing project at Alto Dabolim has been gaining momentum, as neighboring villagers and different social organizations are up in arms against the huge project. Addressing the public meeting jointly organized by Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) along with Chicalim Village Action Committee (CVAC) and Cortalim-Quelossim United Villagers Association at Cortalim on Sunday evening, speakers lambasted the State government and its hidden agenda to sale the State to real estate companies and industrialists. In his speech, Dr Oscar Rebello challenged the elected representatives to come before the people and state that the mega project at Alto Dabolim is essential for the development of Goa and Chicalim in particular. “Why do you take cover under Planning and Development Authority or Town and Country Planning Department and say that the project is essential. If you have guts, then come out openly and say that the project is essential,” said Dr Rebello referring to politicians. “The State government and politicians have never lived up to their promises. We have been provoked to come on the streets time and again,” added Dr Rebello. Recalling the times when he was in the task force of Regional Plan, he said that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had assured that they would protect mountains, hills and the greenery of the State, but they have not lived up to their promises. “We are not against the real estate industry, but it should be within the framework of the law,” said Dr Rebello. “I agree that some agitations are taking place for name sake,” added Dr Rebello. Another speaker, Arvind Bhatikar, termed Goa as one of most corrupt states in the country. “How is it possible that the mega project worth Rs 136 crore got approved without even questioning the applicant,” asked Bhatikar. “The file submitted to the PDA and TCP was kept unattended for nearly 30 days and if the applicant is not informed about the file within 30 days, then the applicant is assumed to be granted deemed permission to commence the work,” he alleged. He urged the people to be united against such projects, which would ruin mountains and hills in the State. Earlier, GBA Secretary Sabina Martins explained the illegalities of the housing project, how the 600 residential complexes will have impact on the present living condition of Chicalim villagers and its surrounding areas. “Trees have been chopped and hills will be cut down, which will have drastic impact on the environment,” added Martins. Other who spoke during the meeting are Fr Ermito Rebello, Edwin Mascarenhas, Avdoot Naik, Sancaole Panch Tulsidas Naik, Neelam Naik, Caitan Fernandes, Swati Kerkar, Marian Dias, Mr Vaz and Antonio Fernandes. -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/ -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/