Consider this: A non-stop public hearing at Margao and Panaji means all registered speakers have to be present at the venue till their respective names are called out to talk. A non-stop hearing has no provision for any breaks even if it is for a basic requirement of food or water. A non-stop hearing has no provision of transport for those who are held up late into the night to go back home. A non-stop hearing amid curfew restrictions and the closed markets in Margao only means more misery, leave aside the intermittent rains.
And now consider this: Despite all odds, people moved out of their homes on Thursday with a one-point agenda - to raise their voice against the injustices done to coastal Goa and the identity of the State. Mindful of what they would be facing. Despite the fear of Covid and the severe odds, common citizens descended on venues, waited patiently for hours for their turn and raised tough questions exposing the glaring inconsistencies in the draft plan.
People marched in with umbrellas, some got drenched in the rains and endured every pain. Unfortunately, officials present at the venue remained mute spectators, with no answers or replies forthcoming reducing it to monologues. Neither were there any assurances that the points raised have been recorded, nor were there any clarifications. It appeared that much of the attention of officials was focused on the timer buzzer rather than the subject of discussion.
A public hearing is held to obtain the views of local people on major projects or policy decisions. People hold a genuine hope that their views will be considered by the decision-makers, but the way authorities have proceeded with this exercise it appears that the voices of people don't really matter. The hurry through the hearings coupled with officials choosing not to interact or reply only amplifies the fact that this has turned out to be a mere formality.
Why would a public hearing which is meant to conscientiously hear people be conducted in such a ruthless and unfriendly environment and in complete violation of the recent NGT directives? Lest we forget, in early June the green tribunal had told in no uncertain terms that the salutary mandate of a public hearing has to be followed in letter and spirit and that in no way should the situation be rendered unviable. It had mentioned that a reasonable opportunity has to be given to all concerned sections, and had asked authorities to make every attempt to accommodate and hear all aggrieved citizens within the framework without unwarranted stipulations.
The hearings have been conducted in stark contrast to NGT directives defeating the purpose and the spirit of the exercise, and even forcing people’s exit. Sadly, the public hearings turned out to be a farce once again, giving the impression that the system is going through the motions rather than meeting a serious constitutional necessity. It is a tragedy that the voices of people continue to be disrespected.
