MARGAO
A meeting called by Goa Environment & Ecology Team (GEET) at the Margao Municipal Council on Saturday evening has given a call to the people to unite for Goa irrespective of his group, party or religion.
The team has vowed to spread awareness amongst the people to highlight how Goa is on the brink of destruction.
Addressing the meeting, writer and film producer Shibani Keshkamat underlined the need to make the initiative a people’s movement to save Goa from destruction. She said people should raise their voice to take back their rights.
Referring to the ensuing polls, Keshkamat said the electorate need to collect the report cards of the candidates contesting the coming elections. “We have to find out the credentials of the candidates, what they have done for the society and share their details on the social network. Let us make this a people’s movement. Let us make this for Goa,” she added.
Social activist Ramkrishna Jhalmi said large tracts of Goan land is being acquired for projects which is not beneficial for the people of Goa. “We have seen so many projects being thrust on the people, including the Marina project, Mopa airport, double-tracking, power transmission lines, etc. Land filling is taking place for construction. We can only see destruction taking place across the State. If these projects are not meant for the local people, why should we give our land for these projects,” he questions.
Jhalmi lamented that people who have amassed wealth are trying to come to power, adding that people have the power to choose the right representatives.
Jack M made a powerpoint presentation of the views expressed by scientist Dr Joe D’Souza on the issues plaguing the State.
Jack said that GEET has rolled out the people’s revolution to save Goa, starting from today. “Through public participation, the session set out action to strengthen grassroots participation and create a network for information sharing, participatory planning and performance evaluation. This will be the first step towards bringing about transparency and unity. We are proud that this was the resolution that emerged from today’s session and that the pathway to future action has been forged. The session concluded with a resolve to build upon the progress made and to set out a collaborative action plan,” he said.
He said GEET will work to unite and unify Goans for the greater good of Goa; build awareness and a responsible electorate; drive a reform movement towards good governance.
“Today’s session - Utt Goenkara, was a wakeup call, not just to Goans but to all those who love Goa. Dividing us on the basis of religion, caste, community and our affiliations is a cheap and effective weapon. Politicians across the board have recognised this and used it to splinter Goa and its people. The time has come for us to stand up and tell every government - past, present and future - that whatever affects some of us, will one day harm all of us. The time has come for us to stand together and say ‘divide and rule’ should have left with the British... Don’t bring it back,” he added.
