Activists and non-governmental organizations in Goa have taken their concerns directly to the highest offices in the country. Led by retired Justice Ferdino Rebello, the group has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They allege rampant and illegal conversion of hills, paddy fields, and wetlands across the coastal state.
Violations of Planning and Environmental Laws
The activists claim these conversions violate Goa's Regional Plan 2021 and multiple environmental laws. They say the state's natural landscape is undergoing irreversible damage. The group also sent representations to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the matter.
Demand for Legal Changes
Their primary demand focuses on the Town and Country Planning Act. They want key provisions repealed or amended. According to the petitioners, specific sections of the TCP Act enable large-scale rezoning and hill development without proper oversight.
They specifically point to Sections 17A, 17(2), and 39A. They also mention the now-repealed Section 16B. The group argues these amendments allow development to bypass scientific scrutiny and environmental assessments.
Mass Gathering in Panaji
On January 6, hundreds of Goans assembled in Panaji, the state capital. They voiced strong concerns about what they describe as rampant land conversion. The gathering highlighted conversion of not just hills and wetlands, but also paddy fields and orchard lands.
Participants emphasized these actions directly contravene the Regional Plan 2021. This plan was notified under the TCP Act and aligns with central environmental legislation. The public demonstration showed growing citizen anger over perceived environmental degradation.
Ten-Point Charter of Demands
Justice Rebello prepared a detailed ten-point charter outlining the group's demands. This charter focuses on three main areas:
- Safeguarding Goa's unique ecology
- Protecting traditional land uses like agriculture
- Enforcing existing planning norms and regulations
The charter was formally submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. It came with annexures detailing what the group sees as legal and administrative lapses. These documents provide specific examples of alleged violations across Goa.
Appeal for Federal Engagement
In their separate appeal to President Murmu, the activists urged her to support calls for federal engagement. They argue the issue transcends state boundaries and requires national attention.
The letter to the President emphasizes that unchecked construction and land conversion affect fundamental rights. These include access to clean water and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The activists believe federal intervention could help enforce environmental protections more effectively.
The petition represents growing frustration among Goans about development patterns. Many residents feel traditional land uses and natural landscapes are being sacrificed for unchecked construction. The activists hope their direct appeal to national leaders will prompt immediate action to protect Goa's environment.
