Rebelo says BJP's 2012 poll manifesto states RP21 would be scrapped and new would be drawn
Photo Credits: GFDO on Regional Plan
GFDO convenor Fr Eremito Rebelo briefing the media of the government decision on the Regional plan. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Accusing the BJP for staging an U-turn on the Regional Plan and going against the manifesto which it was elected, the Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) has said the government is morally obliged to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people of Goa based on its new found adherence to RP 2021, which it had strongly rejected with the people of Goa before the 2012 election.
The GFDO also expressed solidarity with Claude Alvares and Goa Foundation, saying the Parsekar government needs to explain why the NGO needs to be investigated, demanding to know whether the government has found any concrete anomalies in its funding and functioning that would demand an investigation. “Or is it the unwritten policy of the BJP government to create an atmosphere of intimidation and intolerance by harassing and browbeating into submission any NGO or citizen who ventures to question its action. The people of Goa have many questions that need answers," GFDO convenor Fr Eremito Rebelo said while addressing the media on Monday.
He said the BJP seemed to have conveniently forgotten that it was voted to power based on the 2012 election manifesto which clearly stated that the Regional Plan will be scrapped and a new one to be drawn up with people’s participation in a transparent manner. “This was later reinforced in the governor’s address to the Assembly. Therefore, it is unacceptable that the BJP government should propagate and declare intention to notify the same Regional Plan 2021, which it so vehemently opposed and attacked the Digambar Kamat-led Congress dispensation," he said.
He pointed out that in the last three-and-half years of its rule, the earlier Parrikar and present Parsekar-led BJP state governments have clearly demonstrated a calculated lack of will and intention to establish a people and environment oriented Regional Plan, even as it freely facilitated the acquisition by vested interests of large swathes of precious Goan land and community resources. “The government’s lack of seriousness with respect to the Regional Plan is once again obvious from its timings in opening up the regional plan to the people in December, which is the peak of Goa’s tourism season and the height of the State’s festive season," he said.
Fr Eremito pointed out that the importance of putting in place a regional plan that does not go against the laws of nature has been very effectively showcased in the Chennai disaster, which has been brought about by reckless buildings and encroachments upon river canals, lakes, water bodies and natural drainage paths.
He urged the people of Goa to learn from the lessons of Chennai and closely monitor and question the actions of the BJP government, which is brazenly relaxing norms for CRZ and eco-sensitive zones and granting environmental clearance for projects like the proposed Mopa airport and Tiracol golf course without any justification whatsoever.
