MAPUSA
Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai on Monday sounded a clarion call to save Bardez from what he described as a “systematic erosion of Goemkarponn”, alleging that the large-scale destruction of private forests and uncontrolled mega projects was diluting the cultural and environmental essence of the taluka.
“If anyone wants to see how the rape of Goa is taking place, they only need to look at Bardez. The destruction of private forests to make way for mega projects is not just environmental vandalism “ it’s a demographic time-bomb,” Sardesai said, addressing the media during the GFP’s public outreach programme held in Mapusa.
He stressed that the people of Goa want “development by consent”, but the current government was functioning without transparency, public consultation or accountability.
“There is no consent in this government, no clarity and no transparency. Goemkarponn in Bardez is under serious threat and needs immediate revival,” he said.
The outreach programme witnessed a strong turnout, with hundreds of citizens from various parts of Bardez raising pressing issues including deteriorating road infrastructure, rampant CRZ violations, and the growing menace of prostitution and illegal activities allegedly flourishing under political patronage, particularly in the coastal stretch.
“We are witnessing the unchecked mushrooming of construction projects. It’s like a takeover of Bardez by outsiders. Goans are slowly being pushed to the margins. Soon, we’ll be a minority in our own land,” Sardesai warned.
He also addressed issues related to transport and tourism, calling for a cap on taxi permits to protect the livelihoods of existing operators.
“The government cannot keep issuing taxi permits indiscriminately. There needs to be a cap, or we’ll have a situation where both the tourists and taxi operators suffer,” he said.
On the ongoing controversy surrounding taxi aggregators, Sardesai said he would attempt to mediate a resolution, either personally or by raising the issue in the upcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
“I will make an effort, but whether the government listens or not is something people will witness for themselves,” he said.
The GFP chief concluded by urging the citizens of Bardez to stay vigilant and resist what he termed as the “systematic sell-out of Goa” through environmental degradation, demographic shifts and political inaction.
Mapusa council institutionalising corruption: Sardesai
MAPUSA: Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), accusing it of “institutionalising corruption” by levying double taxation on local citizens and harassing the town’s business community.
Speaking during GFP’s public outreach programme in Mapusa, Sardesai took strong exception to the council’s policy of charging both rent and house tax from occupants of municipal premises, calling it an “unheard-of practice” designed to exploit locals.
“Mapusa Municipal Council is the only one in Goa, and perhaps in India, that takes rent and also charges house tax for the same premises. This is nothing but institutionalising corruption,” Sardesai said, drawing loud applause from a crowd that included several disgruntled local traders and residents.
He further added, “How can the same premises be taxed twice? This shows the insensitivity and lack of governance in Mapusa. Double taxation is not only illegal, but it’s morally unacceptable. This is a clear example of how a public body is exploiting its own people.”
Sardesai accused the MMC of turning a blind eye to the actual needs of the citizens, especially the business community, which he said was being pushed to the brink due to arbitrary rules, rising taxes, poor infrastructure, and a lack of consultation.
“Instead of supporting small businesses, the council is running roughshod over them. This is not governance; this is harassment,” he said.
