The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), a prominent citizens' movement, has announced a major public gathering to demand accountability and an end to systemic corruption and illegal land conversions in the state. The meeting is scheduled for December 19 at Azad Maidan in Panaji.
Public Outcry Over Illegal Conversions and Tragedy
GBA convener Sabina Martins stated that the assembly will focus on pressing issues, including illegal changes in zoning regulations. A primary point of discussion will be the tragic case of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in Arpora where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives last week.
Martins expressed outrage over how such an establishment could operate on converted land. "How could a salt pan be converted and used for a nightclub where 25 people were killed?" she questioned. She issued a stark warning, asserting that "More lives will be lost if rules continue to be violated." The incident has become a grim symbol of the potential consequences of flouting regulations.
Legal Battle Against Bhutani's Acqua Eden Project
In a significant legal move, Sabina Martins revealed that the GBA will approach the Supreme Court to challenge a recent Bombay High Court judgment. The HC verdict had dismissed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that contested the permissions granted for Bhutani's proposed Acqua Eden Project at Sancoale.
This luxury villa project has been facing strong opposition from environmental organisations concerned about its impact. Martins conveyed her deep disappointment with the High Court's decision, alleging that it ignored substantial evidence of negligence by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.
Wider Implications and Call to Action
The December 19 public meeting is positioned as a crucial platform for citizens to unite and voice their concerns against unchecked development and administrative lapses. The GBA aims to channel public sentiment into a stronger collective demand for transparency and strict adherence to legal and environmental norms.
The twin focus—on the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy and the legal fight against the Acqua Eden Project—highlights the group's broader campaign for sustainable and lawful governance in Goa. The outcomes of these efforts could set important precedents for how land use and safety regulations are enforced in the future.
