Addressing a press conference on Thursday, spokesperson Devidas Amonkar said the organisation would submit a memorandum to the Chief Town Planner (CTP), alleging that Section 39A was being repeatedly misused to convert land outside the principles of sustainable development.
"The provision has become a double-edged sword. Land conversions are taking place beyond the limits of sustainable development, and Section 39A is being misused for this purpose. This is harmful to Goa, its environment and the future of the coming generations," Amonkar said.
He said Enough is Enough, led by former High Court judge Justice Ferdino Rebello, had first submitted a memorandum to the Goa government and Chief Minister before forwarding its charter of demands to the Prime Minister and the President of India. Memorandums were also submitted to all political parties, including the ruling BJP, during the Assembly session seeking the repeal of Section 39A and the reversal of all conversions approved under it.
Amonkar alleged that although the adverse impact of such conversions was evident, the government had failed to respond.
"The foundations of these malpractices are clearly visible, but instead of taking corrective action, new Section 39A notifications are being issued almost every week. We are therefore taking legal, disciplined and democratic steps to register our protest," he said.
He said participants would assemble outside the TCP office at 9.55 am, where Justice Rebello would explain the purpose of the agitation before a delegation led by noted environmentalist Claude Alvares meets the Chief Town Planner to submit the memorandum.
Following the submission, heads of various taluka committees and social activists are expected to address the gathering, after which Alvares will once again speak to the protesters.
Appealing for wider participation, Amonkar invited members of all political parties, including the BJP, to join the agitation.
"This is not merely the fight of Enough is Enough. It is about safeguarding Goa's future. Anyone who genuinely wants to protect Goa should participate in the march and make their voice heard," he said.
He maintained that the movement would remain peaceful and within the framework of law.
"We are doing everything legally because we want the government to act before people are forced to take the law into their own hands. The government must introduce a Bill in the Assembly to repeal Section 39A. If this provision is scrapped, lakhs of square metres of land that are presently being converted can be saved. We have always supported sustainable development, but when development crosses acceptable limits, it becomes our duty to raise our voice," Amonkar added.
Spokesperson Govind Shirodkar said the campaign against Section 39A had gained significant public support, with awareness and brainstorming meetings organised across all 12 talukas over the past six months.
"Under the guidance of Justice Ferdino Rebello, we have realised that Section 39A, along with the earlier Section 17(2), poses a serious threat to Goa. If these provisions continue, they will destroy Goa's agriculture, environment and ultimately the identity of Goans," Shirodkar said.
He accused the government of prioritising land conversion over environmental protection and alleged that No Development Zones were regularly being converted into settlement zones through Section 39A notifications.
"Every eight days, fresh Section 39A notifications are issued converting No Development Zones into settlement zones in the name of helping people. Lakhs of square metres have already been converted. This clearly reflects the government's insensitivity towards Goa's future," he alleged.
Shirodkar urged the TCP Department to immediately halt further conversions and appealed to people from across Goa to participate in the protest.
"Our strength lies in democracy and the collective voice of the people. We request every Goan to gather at the TCP office tomorrow and support this movement to save Goa. The programme will last only about 90 minutes and will be completely peaceful. There will be no law and order issues," he said.
He added that Enough is Enough was presently concentrating on two major public campaigns, opposing land conversions under Section 39A and pursuing its campaign against casinos.
"At this stage we cannot take every issue to the people simultaneously. These are the two priority battles before us. Once progress is made, we will take up other issues as well," he said.
Shirodkar also welcomed government officials who had spoken against alleged irregularities within the TCP Department and encouraged others to come forward.
"We welcome officials who have had the courage to stand up against wrongdoing. Those who are under pressure and merely following political orders should also speak out. Politicians use officers when convenient and later abandon them," he said.
He further claimed that the organisation had reached out to Opposition parties ahead of the protest and received support from almost all of them.
"We have also reached out to Opposition parties, and almost all have extended their support. We urge officials who are under pressure to speak up in the larger public interest," Shirodkar said.
