MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal villagers on Friday rejected in one voice mega housing projects in the village located on the outskirts of Margao as they demanded a new Regional Plan which will safeguard the interest and future of the village.
At a meeting held in the village, the 7th public protest to demand a new Regional Plan by the “Save Goa’s Nature, Goa’s Future” campaign, speakers led by Velim MLA Cruz Silva has demanded a Regional Plan as per the wishes of the villagers.
Social activist Peter Viegas reminded the village that a couple of huge and mega housing and commercial establishments have taken concrete shape in the village just because Sao Jose de Areal was once part of the Margao planning body. “It was simply because that Areal village was part of the Margao planning body that one can see mega housing projects dotting around the village countryside. We have to all join hands to oppose any more mega housing projects in the village. This can be achieved only if the villagers are allowed to prepare a Regional Plan to suit their development requirements,” he added.
Peter complimented the Velim MLA Cruz Silva for his initiative to demand a new Regional Plan and to save Goa’s nature and Goa’s future.
Social activist Freddy Travasso also echoed similar sentiments by saying the time is now come to save the village from destruction. “Areal plays host to an industrial estate, but the jobs are not provided for the locals. A railway line is passing through the village, but does not benefit the people. An irrigation canal is laid through the village, but villagers are not given any special benefit. We have to plan for the village and to save the village for posterity,” he added.
Former Sarpanch Joyce Dias said the villagers of Sao Jose de Areal had to bear the pollution in the village over the years, saying only proper planning in tune with the requirements can save the villagers from destruction.
In his address, the Velim MLA pointed out that the campaign to save Goa’s nature and Goa’s future has evoked tremendous response at all the seven places across the State. “Our one point demand before the government is simple “ a new Regional Plan for Goa, which will help to save our nature and our future.”
