Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. Goa has witnessed in the recent past uncontrolled growth especially in the real estate sector. It is now time for the people of Goa to control their own destiny. The opposition to the formation of new PDAs is gaining momentum and the people are pro-actively participating in determining their own wishes, which is definitely against further rampant concretization of Goa.. Formation of PDAs will only lead to increase in the proliferation of large mega projects which is not what Goans want. Small is beautiful and Goa being a small state, Goans should oppose imposition of mega projects at all costs to save the use of sparse land available in Goa. Many other projects are being thrust upon Goans and it is time now for the people of Goa to rise up in arms so as to protect our land. Among the issues that need to be addressed are the formulation of a prudent Regional Plan, the opposition to expansion of coal handling facilities at MPT in the port town of Vasco, which is causing immense hardships to the people, the Mopa airport project which has seen gross illegalities such as razing of legal houses, wanton felling of thousands of trees, inadequate compensation paid to the residents and use of coercive measures on the residents to fast-track the project., the opposition to the setting up of the golf course at Tiracol, by the Leading hotels, the nationalization of rivers which is going to greatly impact traditional fishermen and their livelihood, a judicious resolution of the mining resumption issue that should be controlled and regulated in a manner that will prevent illegal mining in accordance with Supreme Court directives. It is time for Goans to decide their own destiny and exert pressure on errant politicians who have been elected by the electorate, that is by the people themselves.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
