Tourism Policy made in Delhi heading for Conflict with Goan interests

I almost thought it was high time that Goverment and Policy makers would start working on bottom up planning for growth. But some how there has been no learning.
As the state of Goa is erupting in fight against illegal CRZ construction and Anti-Casino Proliferation yet another policy is heading straight for a conflict just like the Regional Plan 2021 made by a fly by night so called consulting firm CES based in Delhi.

New Delhi moots CRZ relaxation

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, JUNE 14 — As part of a grand initiative to ‘promote tourism’ in India, the Union Tourism Ministry is preparing a policy that will allow construction of hotels in beach areas by relaxation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) requirements.
The proposal also envisages setting up of ‘tourism clusters’ around metros and major cities, as well as setting up of casinos.
The ministry says it wants to make Indian destinations attractive for in-bound traffic, as it still constitutes only a small fraction of global tourist flows, and also to cater to young domestic tourists with high disposable incomes. The point is to “break the traditional image of the country and offer tourists a wholesome experience”, a Tourism Ministry official explained.
These moves are based on the recommendations made by a high-level group on the services sector headed by Planning Commission member Anwarul Hoda.
The Ministry of Tourism says it is converting the group’s suggestions into a policy initiative. It believes the new strategy will not only boost the competitiveness of India’s tourist destinations, but also generate significant revenues for the respective State governments.
One of the main proposals is to develop India as an attractive beach destination. For this, the ministry suggests that the CRZ should be relaxed, as under the existing rules a hotel cannot be built within 200 metres of the sea. “Such a restriction does not exist in any successful beach destination in the world,” said the Tourism Ministry official.
‘Tourism clusters’ will be set up within 150 km of a city, over an area of 4 lakh to 20 lakh sq metres. They will have hotels, restaurants, spas, theme parks, skating rinks, lakes for boating and sailing, golf courses, tennis courts and indoor games.
The proposal recommends that the government should grant infrastructure status to these clusters, so that they can access finance at cheaper rates and import equipment duty-free. Casinos are also on the agenda for cities with large tourist inflows. But the official was careful to add that this would be pursued only after there is political consensus on the issue.

Fallout of Investigation on Goa Real Estate Show in Delhi

Read the awareness story of Goa Real Estate Show and about the Great Goan Uprising.

Delhi builder in dock for forgery

HERALD REPORTER
Colva Communidade Attorney files case

MARGAO, JUNE 14 — Anti-mega housing activists from Colva tasted yet another success when the Colva police on Saturday registered a case of forgery against a Delhi-based builder for forging of the seal of the local Communidade to obtain NOC for a road passing through Communidade property in Gandaulim.
Colva police station incharge, PI Edwin Colaco said the police has registered a case against the builder, Darshan Khang.
The police acted on a complaint lodged by the Attorney of the Colva and Gandaulim Communi-dade, Vilton D’Costa, who filed the complaint after a preliminary inquiry conducted by the then South Goa Administrator of Communidades, Laura Britto.
PI Colaco said the police will send the seal to the handwriting experts for verification.
Incidentally, the police acted belatedly, even though the residents of Gandaulim had lodged a complaint in April against the Delhi-based firm.
The residents have been demanding action over a NOC produced by the builder purportedly issued by the Colva Communidade for a road access to the mega project.
The residents were emboldened in their battle when the Escrivao of Colva Communidade in his report to the Administrator of Communidades, South categorically stated that there was neither any record in the Communidade office in respect of any application seeking for an NOC nor was there any resolution adopted by the body to issue NOC to pave way for a 8-meter road through its property.
“The Escrivao stated that he had thoroughly verified all the resolutions taken from 2001 to 2003, but could not find any resolution in respect of the NOC from the Communidade produced by the builder before the panchayat.
He further stated that he had not given authority to any member of the managing committee to use the seal of the Communidade of Colva, and quite clearly said the seal used by the Attorney is not genuine.
Incidentally, the Delhi-based builder has already withdrawn his construction file from the Village Panchayat of Colva.
A local activist, Elvis Gomes said the Colva police should now take the case to its logical conclusion and also book the local person, who was involved in helping the builder forge the seal and obtain the NOC on a fake stamp paper.

Who will be India's Obama?

Rajdeep Sardesai:

In the week when 46-year-old Barack Obama was being anointed the Democratic party's presidential candidate in the United States, Tamil Nadu's chief minister M Karunanidhi was being felicitated on his 85th birthday. While Obama made a stirring speech in front of hundreds of cheering young Americans, the DMK patriarch mumbled a few words on stage in the company of his two sons, MK Stalin and Azhagiri, both jostling to be heir-apparents to their ageing father's legacy. The contrast could not have been more stark: in America, Obama represents "change" and "equal opportunity", a charismatic Afro-American Harvard-educated lawyer who has risen up the political ladder through merit and hard work.

In India, Karunanidhi and sons are symbols of a static order, where a political party is a family business and where the top posts are closed for talented outsiders. Obama is the man from nowhere, throwing open the doors of the Washington establishment, renewing stale old political processes, with a completely new energy.

Can the Indian political system throw up a Barack Obama-like figure who exemplifies in his own person, the "change we can believe in" tagline? Unlikely. Leave aside the two cadre-based parties -- the left and the BJP - and every political formation in this country is an extension of a presiding family with strict rules of entry and upward mobility. In tightly-knit regional parties, this phenomenon gets accentuated.

Parties like Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal, for example, don't even have elections for office-bearers, the decision on who to appoint are the sole prerogative of an individual. A Sharad Pawar's NCP may claim to be encouraging "young" talent, but can the Baramati boss say with any conviction that his successor will be someone other than his nephew or daughter? The National Conference in Kashmir, the Akalis in Punjab, the Biju Janata Dal in Orissa, the TDP in Andhra Pradesh, the Samajwadi party, the Shiv Sena: a majority of political parties in this country are dynastic in structure, run like feudal oligarchies.

Could the Congress party throw up a leader outside the Nehru-Gandhi family? Very doubtful given the manner in which the party organization is now completely subservient to the notion of the First Family. That a section of the Congress chooses to push for Priyanka Gandhi, even though she has made it amply clear that she doesn't want to join politics, is proof of how the party is unable to look beyond a family for leadership.Even the BJP, which can legitimately claim to have stayed away from actively encouraging dynastical politics, is hardly a meritocratic organization.

The recent elections in Karnataka provided a glaring example of how party tickets in several constituencies were distributed on the basis of money power alone, and not on ideological commitment or organizational ability. That in over four decades, the BJP has thrown up just two "national" leaders - Vajpayee and Advani, both now octogenarians - is evidence of a rigidly controlled party structure that is unwilling to open itself up to change. It is a bit like the Hindu joint family syndrome: the fear of allowing a "younger", more dynamic leadership is seen to be against a tradition that places a premium on age and experience.

A geriatric leadership has been the burden of the left as well. At 64, a Prakash Karat may be a representative of the next generation of left leadership, but his ascent is also the culmination of more than 40 years within the party apparatus and he cannot be seen as someone who has carved a dramatically different path for the left or has infused it with original, distinctive ideas.

Indeed, in structural terms, Indian politics it seems has lesser and lesser space for fresh, independent minds: individuals who will question the prevailing orthodoxy, who will challenge entrenched mindsets, and who will build new constituencies. Instead, the focus remains on those who are either part of the "family" system or are rewarded for flattery and for practising status quoist politics.

India's generation next politicians may dress and talk smart, but how many of them can claim to be truly empowered? Satisfied with the crumbs of an insignificant ministry or political post, a majority seem to have little option but to wait their turn. After all, they are in politics because they are dutiful sons; not because they have the passion to change their fathers' values.

Contrast the passion and excitement that Obama has ignited within the younger Americans with the cynicism and apathy that our netas seem to generate. A Rahul Gandhi, for example, may have chosen a 20-20 cricket tournament to encourage youth in Amethi, but can that ever be a substitute for a concrete programme of action for the young to enter public life? When is the last time any Indian politician for that matter made a serious effort at reaching out to young India, or redefining the rules of political power?

In the end, the Obama phenomenon is not just about him being the first African-American to have won a major party nomination for the US presidency. Race may have been a contributing factor in highlighting the change agenda, but there was surely more to his success than just contrasting his roots with the political pedigree of his rival. Obama won because he was able to symbolize a generational change, an America fatigued by the Washington consensus and itching to break away from the Clinton-Bush duopoly over power.

Ironically, the one Indian politician who comes closest to embracing the Obama principle is Mayawati. There are many aspects of Maya raj that are wholly undesirable, but at least she offers her supporters the hope of a new political order, however flawed. She may have alienated middle class India with her corrupt, autocratic ways, but for the next generation Bahujan Samaj, Mayawati is the only representative of real change. If Mayawati had been fortunate enough to go to Harvard, perhaps she too could have created an entire new menu for indian political and social life, a new discourse, a new counter culture that is truly Indian (unlike the Left) and truly revolutionary (unlike the Congress).

For the moment, India awaits her Barack Obama.

Documentary on Great Goan Uprising !

Special thanks to editorial team of CNN IBN, Barkha and Divya Iyer for taking this initiative and bringing these stories on national level.
As most of the newspapers in Goa, fail to cover these stories due to stakeholder interest. this is a video which brings the grim reality straight on the face.
VIDEO
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/66846/.html

THE GREAT GOAN UPRISING ARTICLE PUBLISHED VERSION

The article on The Great Goan Uprising published by HERALD.

Apologies for bad resolution, will try getting a better copy scanned.















Original Article: Click Here

Govt to frame new rules for constructions

In my repeated visits to Goa, asking the Shri Morad Ahmed, as to what can his office do make Goa the model state, aligning development with needs of locals seems to not have gone to deaf ears, specially with peoples movement coming shape across Goa.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MAY 19 — The Goa Government is in the process of giving final touches to a set of new regulations for laying down unified procedures for land development and constructions across the State.
The Government will invite objections and suggestions from the public on the draft regulations within a month, Chief Town Planner, Morad Ahmad told Herald. As per the Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008, public view is to be obtained for a period of 30 days by issuing a notification.
This is going to be a unified regulation for any kind of construction in the State of Goa and apprehensions are already being raised by the panchayats and municipalities over the issue.
The Bill was passed in the last Assembly session mainly to introduce centralized regulations which as of now are being executed separately by local bodies – panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporation besides PDAs. The three institutions are currently having their rules for land development and building constructions.
Sources said the regulations would provide for zoning of the land, general requirement of land development, group housing, sub-division of land including amalgamation of plots,preservation and conservation and importantly, procedure for seeking development permission from panchayats, municipal councils/corporation and Planning & Development Authorities (PDAs).
According to the provision of the Act, any application for land development or construction of building received by the Panchayat/municipal council/municipal corporation would be forwarded by them to the respective district level/taluka level office of Town & Country Planning Department for obtaining No Objection Certification (NOC) from planning point of view.
The Act also envisages an interim provision to facilitate the authorities to follow the regulations, bye-laws and rules which are being followed until the new rules and regulations come into force.
The Government will set up a Steering Committee headed by the Chief Minister as its chairman which in turn will appoint a Sub-Committee consisting of Director of Municipal Administration, Director of Panchayats, chairman of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, chairman of Goa Chamber of Housing Industry, a representative each of registered local chapter/association of town planners, engineers and architects to consider objections and suggestions received from the public. It will have to submit a report to the Steering Committee within two months.
The Steering Committee, after considering the report of the sub-committee, will submit its report with recommendations, to the Government within 30 days of receipt of the sub-committee’s report.

Mining activities kick dust in Bicholim

The peoples movement in Bicholim, resulting in the first ever large movement in Bicholim Taluka.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Patnekar, 70 others arrested
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MAYEM, MAY 19 — Tension gripped Advalpal-Bicholim on Monday, as hundreds of irate villagers staged a protest rally and forcibly stopped mining activities in the village.
Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar and 70 agitators were later arrested in the connection, even as villagers have threatened to intensify their agitation if mining companies do not stop operations in the village within eight days.
Residents have been opposing mining activities in the village, ever since mining companies resumed operations two years ago, after a gap of about 40 years.
Villagers were aggrieved that despite several complaints to authorities, mining operations continued unabated.
Left with no option, villagers then convened a meeting two weeks ago to chalk out their future course of action. When authorities failed to break the deadlock between the agitating residents and mining companies, residents of Advalpal decided to stop mining activities on Monday.
Incidentally, villagers first sought blessings of the local goddess Shantadurga at the local temple, before stopping all trucks and vehicles linked to mining activities. The protestors then went to three mining sites and forcibly stopped operations, including loading of ore.
Bicholim Deputy Collector Arvind Bugde, DySP Bosco Silva, Bicholim PI Braz Menezes, Mamlatdar Upendra Bhat, PSI Tukaram Walke and a police team rushed to the spot. But they could do little to persuade villagers to disperse from the site.
Efforts to persuade Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar, who was also at the site, met with little success. “I will always be with the villagers as they are facing acute hardship. It is my responsibility to support them for their safety,” said Patnekar.
Mining companies then lodged a complaint against the villagers, but the police was initially reluctant to arrest any of the protestors. But when talks between the villagers and mining officials broke down in the afternoon, mining operations resumed in the evening. The agitators then rushed to a mining site and tried to stop the operations. Police then arrested Patnekar and 70 agitators under Section 151 IPC.
Angered by the arrest of MLA Patnekar and 70 others, a number of women rushed to the Bicholim police station and squatted on the floor in protest for about two hours. Patnekar and 70 others were later released on bail by the Deputy Collector.
The agitators, however, vowed to continue their protests till mining activities are stopped in the village.
“We are determined to fight unto death and nobody will stop us from doing so” warned Shyamsundar Naik, leader of the agitating residents.
“Mine owners and Government officials are working in collusion to finish Advalpal village, which was once full with lush green hills and natural heritage. Water bodies like springs and wells have been destroyed, while there is sound and air pollution in the entire village,” he said.

Kalem locals want action against ‘polluting’ plant

The awakening of Goan masses and its ripple effects....more...

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 19 - Agitated residents of Kalem on Monday asked district Collector, G P Naik to initiate action against a sponge iron plant for alleged pollution.
The residents warned to take the law in their own hands if the government fails to intervene and redress the grievances of the people of Kalem.
Black-colour dust, which the residents claim is polluting the houses of the people of Kalem was kept before the Collector for his attention and action.
Saying that they have lost faith in the Goa Pollution Control Board, the residents underlined the need for quick action before the situation takes an ugly turn.
The Collector gave a patient hearing to the residents and assured that the issue needs to be examined on legal grounds. He said the matter would be referred to the law department for examination as the company recently got a relief from the supreme court.
Meanwhile, the Collector today issued strict instructions to the police and RTO to explore the possibility of building road bypasses at Curchorem and Quepem.
This follows a petition made by the residents against loaded mining trucks entering the Curchorem market and causing traffic congestion.
The residents maintained that a by-pass could solve the problem of acute traffic congestion in the Curchorem market.
The authorities, including the Traffic police and the RTO were given directions to prepare the feasibility report within four days and submit the report to the Collector .

Nuvem infrastructure fails to keep pace with time

The awakening of Goan masses and its ripple effects....

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 19 - If Nuvem villagers are up in arms over the construction of 40 bungalows, the message is loud and clear for the powers that be - don’t issue indiscriminate licences for mega housing projects without taking into account basic infrastructure requirements.
It’s prime location on the NH-17 - right on the northern entrance to Margao — and the booming real estate is an indication that Nuvem is the destination for many a settler in Goa.
Sadly, many a local feels the infrastructure has not kept pace with the booming housing constructions mushrooming in Nuvem countryside.
Take for instance, the fish market. While one find bungalows perched on a hillock as one enters Nuvem from Margao, fisher folks continue to sell fish from a makeshift market right adjoining the highway - bringing to the fore the absence of basic infrastructure.
That the local MLA and Power Minister, Aleixo Sequeira has now taken up work on the proposed market is not in dispute, but the fact remains that infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the changing times in Nuvem, which is fast acquiring urban features.
Leave alone market facilities, the village is grappling with the garbage menace. No garbage disposal facility has been identified by the local body and locals wonder where the garbage generated in the new housing complexes would find their way in the absence of any dumpyard.
That agitated villagers are opposed to the mega project - relating to 40 bungalows with swimming pool facility — is an indication that the locals would no longer take things lying down now.
When contacted, Local MLA Alexio Sequeira said issuing construction licences is the domain of the local village Panchayat body. “It’ for the Panchayat to assess the infrastructural requirements before granting permissions for new constructions”, he added.
Nuvem Sarpanch, Antonio Barretto, who came under fire at the Sunday’s gram Sabha meeting, however, said that technical agencies such as the PWD and the Town and Country Planning department should guide the Panchayat body on technical and basic infrastructure such as roads, water, power et al.
“Why is the Panchayat blamed when these technical agencies approve the construction plans”, he asked and disclosed plans to approach the government to define the meaning of mega housing projects.
However, Town and Country Planning officials maintained that it’s purely for the local Panchayat body to evaluate the existing infrastructure and then only to forward the file for technical approval. “If the Panchayat feels so, the file can be returned back to the builder at the Panchayat level itself.”, a TCP official said.

Liberation Movement of Advalpal People

Source:http://www.mandgoa.blogspot.com/

“It’s like Liberation Movement of Advalpal from colonial mindset of miners”. This is how Ramesh Gauns sums up the Advalpal people’s revolt in Bicholim taluka against open cast iron ore and magnesium mining.

Around 600 villagers marched on the mines leased out to Litho Ferro, Sesa Goa, and Salgaoncar mining companies this morning. At around 4 pm two villagers were arrested while on a delegation to deputy collector’s office in Bicholim. Shamsunder Naik and Kashinath Gad were whisked away by police officials attached to Bicholim police station.

As a quick reaction to the above arrests, around 500 people descended at the Bicholim Police station in two vans offering their arrests too. Police were in the process of completing formalities of arrests when the report last came in at 6.45pm.

Section 151 of CrPC was applied to register cases against over 100 Advalpal protestors today.

Large number of women is also a part of the 500 strong group that has gone to court arrest at Bicholim police station, in fact one van is full of women and the other of men.

Reports received at 8 pm discloses that Fomento mining company had filed police cases against following 12 Advalpal villagers Shyamsunder Naik, Sharmila Naik, Kishore Naik, Kashinath Gad, Vijay Pundloskar, Ganesh Naik, Babi Gaonkar, Suresh Gad, Shrikant Gaonkar, Manguesh Gad, Amar Shetye and Pradip Gaonkar. The cases were registered under following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): 143, 144, 147, 148, 323, 427, 341, 506 and 149.

Out of these 4 people were arrested namely, Shyamsunder Naik, Sharmila Naik, Kishore Naik and Kashinath Gad. The process of releasing them on bail was on when the last reports came in.

Fometos are operating Litho Ferro mining lease in Advalpal and has one of the worst records in applying State police force and entire machinery to silence people's protests. The best examples of these are Colamb in Sanguem and Pissurlem in Sattari talukas.

While all these protests are raging throughout the state of Goa, Government continues continues to be active collaborator of Goa's mining plunder and loot.


Sebastian Rodrigues with input from Shyamsunder Naik in Police custody at Bicholim Police Station, Bicholim, Goa.

Benaulim panchayat seeks revocation of licences of mega housing projects

MARGAO — The Benaulim gram sabha on Sunday passed a resolution seeking revocation of licences to all the mega housing projects in Benaulim village with retrospective effect from January 26, 2007.

Changing their earlier stand, all the panchas, including the sarpanch, Ms Maria Fernandes, bowed to public pressure and assured the villagers that they would not allow any mega housing projects in their respective wards and the village at large.

“We do not want projects in our village, which will cause harm to the villager and the children of the village. Since the people of Benaulim don’t want such projects, I too am with you and oppose such mega projects,†the sarpanch said after the villagers sought assurance from all the 11 panchas on the issue.

The sarpanch informed that all the housing projects have been issued inspection notice and that the inspection would be completed within the next fortnight. She also said those violating the laws would be given show-cause notice and action would be initiated. Ms Fernandes promised the gram sabha that report would be presented at the next meeting, which will be held on June 1

The people, who had gathered in large numbers, appreciated the stand taken by the panchas in opposing the mega housing projects. Over 600 people had gathered for the gram sabha, which was re-convened after it got adjourned on May 11.

The Benaulim gram sabha was once again adjourned for the second time till June 1 after the sarpanch failed to give satisfactory replies to many of the queries put forth by the people. The marathon gram sabha which lasted over five hours could take up only six issues for discussion as the villagers alleged that the panchayat is taking the people for granted and wasting their time.

Earlier, the villagers took serious exception to the absence of the Benaulim panchayat secretary, Mr Menino Carvalho. The villagers alleged that Mr Carvalho is avoiding the gram sabhas. However, it was informed that Mr Carvalho is on medical leave and that he had informed the BDO about the same.

The villagers alleged that the panchayat is bypassing procedures and that it has failed to curb irregularities because of their vested interests. They also asked the panchayat to discuss all mega projects with the villagers before issuing licences to them.

Heated arguments continued throughout the day as the panchas and the sarpanch traded allegations and counter-allegations against each other after irregularities in the procedures in issuing licences for the housing projects came to light.

As the people scrutinised the mass irregularities in the housing projects the sarpanch was in a fix as she failed to give proper replies to the queries posed by the villagers. The sarpanch and the stand-in secretary also had to face the ire of the villagers as they failed to take a resolution over a housing project in the village.

The villagers also demanded revocation of licences of all the housing projects which have come up after January 26, 2007. However, pancha, Ms Carmelina Fernandes informed that it would not be possible to revoke the licences of all projects, however, those who have violated the laws would be taken to task.

Ramesh Gauns

Ramesh Gauns, a citizen in Goa is fighting all odds to stop mining in the state. For 13 years, he has been trying to mobilise people into raising a voice against the devastation and asking the government to stop clearing mining licenses in Goa.

Watch the Video of about this ONE MAN ARMY- CNN IBN

State told to probe into Collem mine

State told to probe into Collem mine

HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MAY 15 — The Central Empowerment Committee of the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the State Government to probe into the Prafulla Hede mines at Collem, which is allegedly operating on forest land.
The CEC today ordered a probe and in a letter to the Chief Secretary asked the State Government to respond in the matter. It has asked the Government to find whether the mine was operating in violation of forest conservation rules.
A second letter has been made to the Chief Conservator of Forests to know how Prafulla Hede mine had encroached upon 1,000 sq m of forestland.
Claude Alvares of Goa Foundation had filed an urgent petition in the apex court against the mine.
On May 8, a team of CNN-IBN, led by its environmental editor Bahar Dutt and Alvares, had to face the wrath of the mine’s manager and his staff when they had gone to shoot the illegal mining operation.
A crowd that gathered around the team that day tried to snatch the camera, but luckily it managed to come of the place under police protection and save the tape, which had the footage of the illegal mining.
The footage was shown on CNN-IBN today and a repeat telecast of the same is scheduled on Friday morning.

VIDEO SHOWING COMPLETE VIOLATION CAUGHT BY CNN IBN

De Souza Trust Goa Scholarship 2008

UK Scholarship for dynamic young Goan Indians
De Souza Trust Goa Scholarship 2008

The British Council invites young Indian men and women who are born of Goan parents or those who have been living and working in Goa for the past ten years to apply for the De Souza Trust Goa Scholarship for the forthcoming academic year. The Scholarship covers part or full tuition fees. The British Council arranges for a gratis UK visa for the duration of the course. All other costs are to be borne by the student.

The applicant should:

•be an Indian citizen
•be resident in Goa or born of Goan parents
•be not more than 35 years old
•have track record for excellence in academic or extra curricular achievement
•have confirmed admission for any technical/ vocational/ academic course of study in the UK for up to one year

Application forms can be downloaded from the website www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships

Completed forms must reach the British Council office in Mumbai (address below) by 30 June 2008.

De Souza Trust Goa Scholarships
British Council Division
British Deputy High Commission
Mittal Tower, C Wing, 2nd Floor,
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021

For further information about the scholarship call Mrinal on 022-22790149 or email desouza.scholarships@in.britishcouncil.org

Goa People Movement Update

Kalay locals upset over carbon project

SANGUEM, MAY 12 – Residents of Kalay-Sanguem are outraged over the proposed mega carbon project, which is likely to come in the village.
Speaking to Herald, a villager, Vinay Gaonkar, said a signature campaign is underway and the representations would be forwarded to the authorities.
The villagers are expected to gather in large numbers for the gram sabha, which is scheduled for May 25.
Villagers have claimed that the company, despite having large-scale mining operations in the village, has not paid any heed to grievances of the villagers.
“If the company sets up the project, the village would be destroyed on all fronts,” said one local.
“The site is near the Kalay River, which supplies water to Opa Water Treatment Plant. The water supply to Opa plant may be severely affected if the proposed plant is allowed,” added the local.
The villagers claimed that the site is also in close vicinity to the lone government-run agricultural farm in the village, which forms the basic source of fodder and fruit-bearing plants. To make matters worse, the veterinary hospital is also not far away from the proposed site.
The villagers have alleged that the company has started its process to approach the panchayat for NOC.
Claiming that Kalay village is already polluted due to activities of mining companies, besides an iron, sponge and steel manufacturing plants, villagers said they have hardly benefited from the operation of the mining companies.

Collem, Mollem locals threaten agitation

PANAJI, MAY 12 – Residents of Collem and Mollem (Sanguem) and Torsem (Pernem) have threatened to protest over different issues in their villages.
Collem correspondent adds: Residents of Collem and Mollem have threatened with protests of road blockade, if the authorities fail to start the hot mixing and widening of the remaining three-km stretch of the road between Godakawada-Bimbal and Mollem by May 31.
It may be recalled that the six-km stretch road from Mollem to Collem had been unattended by the authorities for more than six years. The road widening and hot mixing work, started in the last week of March and was completed upto Godakawada.

The contractor stopped the remaining work. The road has been largely used by buses, tipper trucks and others to ply along the Sanvordem, Margao, Ponda and Valpoi routes.
Pernem correspondent adds: Residents of Naik waddo and Katche temb of Torsem have threatened a morcha outside the Torsem panchayat on May 14.
The villagers are agitated over the panchayat’s failure to clear the illegal occupying and encroachment by some locals on the public road along the main road to Naika waddo-Torsem.
Locals have complained of traffic congestion due to illegal encroachments on the road. “We are demanding action for the last several months. We have now asked the sarpanch to act fast,” a local told Herald.

ENAULIM ROARS AGAIN

Dando meet vows to stop mega housing projects in State

BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 12 –
The Dando grounds at Benaulim resounded with cries against mega housing projects along Salcete’s coastal belt, with the people vowing to fight till the end to stop housing projects which are not in the interest of Goa and Goans.
Speakers also questioned the government’s silence in not taking cognizance of the ongoing movement against mega housing projects and warned that the people would rise up and show the ruling dispensation its due place.
“We shall not rest till the government stops all mega housing projects in the State. The battle is not just to stop the sale of Goa, but to protect the land of our ancestors for posterity,” thundered Fr Maverick Fernandes at the huge and impressive public meeting held at the Dando grounds on Monday evening.
The meeting held under the banner of Ganv Ghor Rakhonn Manch resolved that all mega housing projects be kept on hold till the Regional Plan is finalised on the basis of the Village Development Plans.
The meeting set the agenda for housing projects and requirements, demanding that all proposals of gated communities and mega projects must be scrutinised and studied by the Gram Sabha and that panchaayts and government agencies must facilitate the process of creating need based Village Development Plans with the active involvement of villagers.

The meeting further resolved that all new buildings should have the mandatory provisions for rain water harvesting, garbage management sewage treatment plants, planting of trees etc.
“We will strive to connect to all village movements and work together to secure our right as enshrined in the 73rd Amendment to the Constituency,” stated another resolution, adding that the basic needs of water, electricity and other needs of affordable housing be addressed on an urgent and priority basis.
In his spirited address, Fr Maverick Feranndes said Goa should remain for Goans and called upon the people to protect the State at all cost. The huge crowd said a firm No when Fr Fernandes asked whether they can afford to buy flats and bungalows costing lakhs of rupees. “For whom are these projects meant for. Are they in the interest of Goa and Goans,” he demanded to know.
Saying that people are forced to come on the streets to seek justice, Fr Fernandes said people of Goa have the strength to take on the might of the lobbies working against the interest of Goa and Goans.
He underlined the need to formulate Village Development Plans to protect the scarce land for the villagers and to determine the development in the villages.
Activist Ramesh Gauns asked the government to stop all mega housing projects in villages till a policy regulating housing is put in place.
“The government has no policy to regulate housing. The government has to come out with a policy,” he demanded.
Gauns called upon people to participate in the Gram Sabhas to make sure that no decision on mega projects be taken without public approval. “Neither the Panchayat nor an MLA or Minister can bring any project against the wishes of the people,” he added.
Women activist, Sabina Martins expressed her happiness that the people from Salcete’s coastal belt have come out to determine the nature of development in their area.
”Only local people should determine the development they want in their neighbourhood. Builders and others cannot dictate terms to local people,” she said.
She wondered whether Goa required mega housing projects at al when the population growth is negligible. “These mega projects do not add to Goa’s development,” she added.
Martins called upon the people to insist on preparation of a village development plan to determine their future.
Goa Hitrakhan Manch President Serafino Cota said the mega housing projects would bring in hordes of outsiders to the State. “These projects are being built without any requirements,” he said, adding that Goan builders should build affordable and economical housing that meet the requirements of Goan families.

Minguel Braganza enlightened the huge gathering about the planning needs of the villages. He said mega housing projects are not in the interests of the people.
He reminded that it were the people of Salcete who gave statehood to Goa when attempts were made to merge the State with Maharashtra.
GBA member Pravin Sabnis, Ida Coutinho, Elvis Gomes, Casiano Fernandes and others also spoke on the occasion.
PEOPLE’S PROTEST: In wake of the protests from various villages against the mega housing projects, the South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha today stated that the government needs to decide on the matter at the earliest.
Sardinha said that the government has to hold a meeting with the various NGOs, sarpanches and other representatives and chalk out a future course of action.
“It is high time we decide what we want either development or not,” he said.

The people’s opposition is mainly due to the existing infrastructure like water, electricity and roads and it has to be sorted out, he said.

Jai Hind

Navendu Shirali

Citizens garner support to save villages in Goa

MARGAO, MAY 7 – These certainly are not political meetings as one would assume to be repeatedly taking place in Salcete’s coastal belt.

But, meetings of small groups of anxious and worried citizens garnering support to launch a sustained movement to preserve and protect their villages from being destroyed and degraded by builders with mega housing projects.
In a way, Salcete’s coastline – from Carmona to Varca, Benaulim and Colva – is playing host to meetings of local residents to take the ongoing disorganised battle against mega housing projects to its logical conclusion.
Herald understands that residents are being mobilised from village to village to bring them under one banner to save the villages from destruction.
Towards this end, the organisers are meeting in the villages with different groups working in the same direction and to organise a mammoth meeting at Dando ground Benaulim by next week.
Sources in the know say, the meeting will set out an agenda for the government and the local self-governing bodies on housing and the needs of local residents.
These meetings assumes significance given that state-level group titled Ganv Bachao Abhiyan is proposed to be launched shortly to save the villages for posterity.
“It is high time people opposing mega housing projects are being organized under one banner and fight the battle jointly”, remarked a prominent social activist, who has been actively involved in brining the various groups under one banner.
He observed that outside builders are slowly trying to set up projects along the state’s countryside, especially the coastal belt, taking advantage of the real estate boom.
“But, we local citizens are more worried about the existing infrastructure, which is pathetic and inadequate to meet the present requirements”, the activist said.
Meanwhile, the Vasvado ward of Benaulim saw residents of Tamdimati, Vasvado holding a meeting at Zarbo Khuris to object to a potential mega housing project in the area.
The meeting was addressed by Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) activists, besides local citizens. A local residents, Michael Rodrigues set the ball rolling against the Panchayat body for keeping the concerned citizens in the dark about the construction projects.
BVAC Chairperson Geraldine Fernandes and Rudolf Baretto questioned the logic of the three Panchayat members for seeking explanation from a local Parish Priest.
The meeting also hold a meeting at Vaddie, Vaswaddo, Benaulim later this week. A meeting at Colva village was held this evening.

Chodan-Madel locals to revoke housing project licence

PANJIM, MAY 6 – The Gram Sabha of Chodan-Madel panchayat on Sunday resolved to revoke the licence granted to a plush housing project in the village.At a heated debate in the Community hall, residents demanded that Sarpanch Prasad Chodankar revoke the licence granted for a ‘gated project’ involving five villas along with five swimming pools, stated a press note issued by former sarpanch Shrikrishna Haldankar.Members raised queries as to how the Delhi-based promoter was given permission to convert a cultivated paddy field at Madel for the project, despite opposition from the local panch.Members have demanded that henceforth no major project should be passed without the approval of the Gram Sabha.The resolution, moved by former sarpanch Rama Kubal and seconded by Mr Haldankar, was unanimously passed at the meeting.Cutting of hills and illegal filling of marshy areas was vehemently objected, with villagers calling upon Mr Chodankar to initiate prompt action on the perpetrators.Poor ferry service along the Ribandar-Madel route also came to the fore, with the formation of a 10-member committee to take up the issue to the River and Navigation Minister, the press note added.Irregular water supply and water scarcity was brought to the notice of Mr Chodankar, who promised to look into the matter. Queries were also raised as to how the PWD disconnected the public taps, without providing free water supply to the poor families.The Panchayat-level Development Committee could not be constituted at the meeting and is likely to be constituted at a specially convened Gram Sabha on May 25.

Invitation to Participate in Youth Conference 1st June to 8 June

Hi,

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to participate in 'Lets Make A Difference' , the annual Youth Conference organized by IofC ('Initiatives of Change') at Asia Plateau, Panchgani, Maharashtra for the age group of 17 to 27 years. This is a 7 day residential conference which starts on the 1st of June 2008 and concludes on the 8th of June 2008. . Participants have to arrive before 3.00 p.m. on 1st June, those who are traveling long distance and convenient transport connections are not available, can arrive at Asia Plateau on 31st May, and can depart any time after lunch on 8th June.

During my graduation I was sent to this Conference by my Principal in 2002, ever since that I have been participating as it has helped me tremendously in my personal life, my family, my career and in my little contribution towards the society.

This conference aims to inspire and motivate youth to realize their inner strengths, to strengthen their value system and lead in their objectives contributing towards a cleaner, calmer and fairer world. To achieve this, we take the participants on an inward journey wherein they introspect and understand themselves better, thus helping them to initiate changes in their lives to make a difference. This would be done through various interactive and fun filled activities that would be conducted throughout the 7 days of the conference.

This Youth Conference is being conducted for over 10 years, attended by cross section of Indian Youth from various backgrounds and states. IofCis a non-profit organization which works for a better world by bringing out the best in people. It encourages every individual to find his or her unique contribution to the transformation needed in the world - starting with oneself.

I met young Indians, discussing and making road maps on how they can make a difference for making India a better Country. I saw young Journalism students choosing Rural Journalism from the comfortable metro stories; seen Harsh quitting his lucrative job for preparing for IAS. A young Goan, Dyson Misquita quitting his inherited restaurant business & placement job in National Aids Control Organization for working in Uttaranchal mountains for Health Programs. Deepa, an architect from Ankleshwar shared with audience that for many years she has never used a single plastic bag and she was instrumental in conducting moral value based Workshop for 75 school children. Zulfikar Khan a theatre artist, quit his mainstream work in Chandigarh and started night theatre schools for boys in slums, who would shoe shine or collect garbage. Next Generation of many businessmen committing to ethical standards in their business.

Each one asking themselves "How can I make the difference".

Dashmesh, from Nagpur who inherited his father's business empire had bought acres of land near wildlife sanctuary. It is in his introspection that he saw a power to transform the lives of youngsters in the nearby village who were glued to gambling, spurious liquor. He is now working towards rebuilding the schools, sponsoring the village youth to participate in Youth Conference.

Krishna Lohar, an young teacher from Jharkhand, decided to pursue his dream of building a school in an Adivasi area. In spite of all odds, he managed to make a school without paying a single bribe. A teacher from Panchgani spent a year teaching in Nagaland, as his contribution to bridge the gap between Nagas and Indians.

A young couple from IIM-A, gave up all their time for composing and singing songs that promote communal harmony. Power of inner voice is something special, my friend for example quit his corporate job in IBM Daksh to join Department of Agriculture in Karnataka. In last 6 months, he has been instrumental in building 85 greenhouses for farmers across North Karnataka.

It might sound as place for social realization. But that's incorrect, I have seen many siblings speaking and hugging to each other after many years. Relationships which were broken being bridged. Nuclear families coming together. I have seen a Hindu fundamentalist once arrested under TADA first time in his life hugging Muslim.

To quote my friend Bhanu " At a societal level, such individuals create an atmosphere of hope, honesty & healing which is essential for any development. Because they have taken steps of change in their own lives, they have faith that even others can change like their personal lives and their surroundings can become different. This empowerment is experiential and not just cerebral. They no longer feel cynical or apathetic, they become initiators of Change"

I urge you to participate in this year's 'Lets Make A Difference' Youth Conference, it truly will be amazing experience.

Let's Make A Difference - Brochure[http://www.dotsolhost.com/LMAD2008.doc]

Let's Make a Difference - Application Form [http://www.dotsolhost.com/LMADForm.pdf

For any queries please feel free to contact me, also inform your friends and relatives about this so they can join you.

Please read

Website : http://www.in.iofc.org/abt/faqs/

http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/Spiritual-travel/Life-MRA.asp

Jai Hind

On behalf of the Youth Team,

Navendu Shirali

Mobile-9342593393

THE GOAN UPRISING

In this article I am not considering the presence of our Members of Legislative Assembly, their presence in our state is more focused on their survival of ministry and musical chairs. They will get their desired fate next elections. So this article is more focused on Government Employees and us, the citizens of Goa.

Once considered slow and peaceful Goans, are now showing signs of restlessness and relentless fight. Over last few months, I have met many Goans, who are restless with one question in their mind…“How can I contribute to make my state better”…it is this question that has realized into tremendous mass movements in pockets of Goa.

In the last few months, we have witnessed many mass movements in different parts of Goa,

• the perseverant struggle of Carmona Panchayat against the real estate lobby,
• Patient villagers in Siridao-Palem Panchayat now, expressing their voice
• Tired villagers of Mollem panch Panchayat who have been fighting for decades for protection of their habitat are now vocal till the capital
• Betul-Naqueri Canaguinim Citizens Action Committee (BNCCAC) and Nuem-Cola Bachao Andolan (NCBA) who are questioning the benefits of proposed Food Park.
• Villagers in Aldona Panchayat fighting against proposed housing project at Lankdem-Panth in Carona-Aldona
• the struggle of Cuncolim Citizens Action Committee against Delhi-based Vigneshwara Developwell Ltd
• Awareness campaign of Save Goa in amongst buyers in Delhi at “Goa Real Estate Show”
• the struggle of citizens in Colamb village, Sanguem Taluka led by Gawda, Kunbi, Velip & Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) against mining company
• closer to capital the never ending issue of Bambolim Project, (Many confused whether it’s a private villas or private hotel)
• Lokancho Adhar – a non governmental organization, which has asked Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to immediately direct all the government departments and corporations to have a complete Citizens Charter within two months from now.
• Uproar in social circles about the Amendment of Section 16 ,Town and Country Planning Act, enabling the government with greater powers to fast track so called development projects

Behind all these movements and struggle don’t lye political interests but lye’s the struggle of the “AAM AADMI” now battling for his survival. AAM AADMI is now JAAM AADMI, as one Journalist confided. The AAM AADMI is becoming tired and angry from exploitation of his silence.

There are many citizen protests which never make it to the newspapers, they go on, without our support and notice, many fighting for their survival in this materialistic world. Editors of many newspapers are compelled not to publish some of these stories due to stakeholder interests.

This article might sound anti-development. But the word development is double edged sword, as it depends on the beneficiary of this development.The bigger Question that should be asked on every table in the Government, Panchayat, architects, Collectors, Town and Country Planning, GCZMA, Citizens Committee and homes of all citizens is “DEVELOPMENT FOR WHOM?” Does it make the rich richer, and make the poor poorer? Does it increase the gap of have’s and have not’s? Does it increase migration? Does it make us self sufficient? Why are there protests?

Somehow, many policies and actions of Government occur without prior intimation and taking citizen’s confidence. There is greater disconnect between the planned benefits and ground reality level benefits. It’s apt for Government agencies to grumble that if they start asking Citizens for before every project, then there will be no implementation but only discussions. But there are ways to make discussions time oriented and mechanisms to make policies citizen friendly.

Government Officers, I have interacted say bring me 2 NGOs who can come on consensus. From their lens NGOs / Environmentalists are their enemies, as they seem to oppose everything that has come from their table. Some of the Government Officers feel that job creation should help Indians and not specifically Goans. So now lies the blame game. The Government Offices on one side and NGOs/ Citizen Movements on the other. And in between this animosity is GOA ON SALE. There is no platform were collectively policy making, policy management and execution is done mutually. A project is planned not by interviewing the demands and skills of the citizens but assumed benefits by the bureaucrats based on their experience.

For last 3 years, there has been rampant real estate housing construction. Have the bureaucrats identified number of locals who are staying in rented homes and their per capita incomes. Then what economic sense is it making by clearing residential projects which are not affordable to them.

Many Bureaucrats might disagree with my suggestion of working together with NGOs and Citizen Committee as they create never ending discussions. But, if these discussions don’t happen, then protests which are so far non violent might become violent, and one of the causes would definitely be overlooking proactive involvement of citizens. The fire of mass movement is spreading, and spreading fast, if the government doesn’t listen to these protests, its just a matter of time to see Goa erupt as another Nandigram. With villagers, students and AAM AADMI blocking the roads, burning the state machinery, kidnapping project developers and more anarchy which this state doesn’t need.

It is not right to just discard revolt in today’s India as just something that is creation of political benefits or environmentalist’s ideology. Many of us make love to make candid statements that this protest is done by that political rivalry or branding an NGO as Anti-Development. But in most cases the protests that are sustained with mass participation are genuine.

I have met many Goans, who sit comfortably in their home and love labeling certain social citizens who are fighting in these protests, as “Church or RSS lobbied” or “anti-development” or “BJP man” or “Communist”, and this habit has made all of them a nice seasonal patriot. Who based on the season and mood of the society would choose to show patriotic feelings. But when it comes to doing something for his land, he would choose get back to his excuses and labeling the doers.

Then there is a second kind of Citizens, the traitor who rests in the comforts of struggle fought by fellow citizens, with mind filled with cynism and hopelessness, with stereotype statements “Kai zavuche na” or “kuch nahi hoga is desh mein”. I hate this kind of traitor, because all they can do while their motherland is being sold is discourage others.

There lies another problem that I have observed many of the organizations or citizen committees, though fighting for the same objective are divided. They have non-visible differences, which comes out in private personal talk, a difference based of community, religion or political alliance. Net result many Politicians; Real Estate Developers and Unethical Corporate use them against each other. Something similar to the failure of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

There is some point that these protests are trying to make, many of them have hope that things will change for better. Its highlight of this state, that these protests have not become violent yet. Citizens still trust the government, judiciary, and their fellow citizens understand their struggle. They go to sleep, thinking someday this struggle might pay dividends. It is this hope that makes society change and evolves. Soon this society will evolve to extent that it will vote out any non performing government, Panchayat or MLA.

If this hope fades, it would become another Bihar, where mob justice is accepted. Where citizens collectively under rage and insanity triggered by frustration, income inequality and helplessness resort to violent means to punish.

A time has come, when we cannot just sit in with newspapers and reflect to our family that politicians have put this state on sale. No, time has changed, we as a society must adapt, we must as a family take some time off from our favorite TV programs and Sunday siesta to network with families and people fighting for a cause. We must spare some talk time of our mobile for not cricket & TV serials chatter, but something more meaningful. If we are aligned to political party, we must question our party workers, about what role can we play.

The politician sitting on opposition, must not wait for his chance to be in power. He must be out there without any political ideology supporting citizens in his area, giving them crucial information, inspiring them, not as a politician but just as another citizen or common man. But somehow, many citizens don’t trust any politician these days, they prefer them to be out of the frame. Especially after a South Goa based MLA hijacked the SAVE GOA purpose for political benefits.

Citizens I have met in Goa, make me realize that, they are now well aware, that this is their home, their country and they only must fix it.

In political theory, there are different forms of ideology, somehow the policies for the last 10 years, represent what happened in US. A free economy, making the rich, richer and poorer homeless; encouragement for companies to drift away from social obligation but profit motive.

Dear Bureaucrats, Civil Servants and Panchyats, and sensible MLAs:

I admire leadership style of personally visiting the problem area and interacting with masses as a common man, to get real ground situation. I am not aware whether the Judiciary or Administration is able to do this. If all decisions are based on just documents provided in the closed room, then many of these documents could mean something far away from the ground reality. I hope that the decision makers do visit the controversial sites just as ordinary citizens to witness the reality. I recollect a dialogue from the Movie Superman, “with greater powers come greater responsibilities”. In the corporate organization I work, I see more and more senior leaders defying their sleep limits to 4 / 5 hours, not for a higher pay but to beat the foreign competitor. I am aware of very few people in Government and Judiciary who practice selflessness. And I wonder, that perhaps it’s an individual choice.

To end, I would reiterate that we must find answers to, “How can I contribute to make my state better”… The initiative taken by every citizen can make a slow and strong mass movement, there is hope because the power is residing in every individual,
if one priest in church or temple discourses and guides the worshippers to take initiative, if one teacher guides students not only to be exam oriented but socially sensitive, if one journalist does investigative journalism exposing corruption, if one parent spends more time educating his family about the mass reality, if one citizen chooses not to bribe and be honest, if one of us stand up against injustice and illegality, then we can make a difference.
All we need to do is to introspect, on "how can I contribute".

I read this line from Frank Buchman,
"When man listens, God speaks,
When man obeys, God Acts,
When men change, nation change"

My message to the youth is from the movie Range de Basanti,

“Ab joh khun, na khola who paani hai,

Joh desh ke kaam na aye woh bekaar jawani hai….”

Choice is ours, to be a seasonal patriot, a traitor or take to initiative,

Jai Hind,

Navendu Shirali,

Email: navendu.shirali@gmail.com

(Consultant based in Bangalore, and Youth Coordinator of Initiatives of Change)

Complaint against Oceanic Bliss-Possible TCP Violation

To                                         9 April 2008

Ms. Varthika

Town and Country Planning Department,

Government Office Bldg, 2^nd Floor,
Mapusa, Bardez - Goa.

Dear Madam

 

Subject- Possible breach of CRZ and Hill Cutting under TCP at Ozran -Little Vagator Beach

 

Respected Madam,

 

Enclosed herewith please find pictures of Oceanic Bliss, a shack hotel on hill of Ozran Beach-Little Vagator Beach (Hotel Telephone: 0832-645463)

On 25^th Jan 2008, I had personally met Mr. Morad Ahmed and informed him about this site. Urge to kindly inspect the site and investigate a possible violation of hill cutting and tree felling. On 12 March 2008, I had sent a similar complaint to Mr. Morad Ahmed but no action was taken.

I would like to personally follow up this, as this place has been extremely serene for all these decades and I am indebted towards its preservation. I request you to kindly investigate this site.

Kindly do the needful,

Jai Hind,

 

Navendu Shirali

T2 Primavera,

Dr AB Road,

Panaji-Goa.

403001

Preferred Correspondence: navendu.shirali@gmail.com