PANAJI: Justice (Retd) Ferdino Rebello met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to discuss the 10-point Citizens’ Charter aimed at safeguarding Goa’s environment, heritage, and democratic rights, calling for what he described as “doable reforms”.
The discussion comes a day after thousands gathered in Panaji for a massive public meeting where the charter was finalised.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the CM today, Rebello said he had raised one of the key issues concerning a 2023 circular issued by the Town Planning Department permitting hill cutting, terming it illegal and beyond the Town Planner’s authority. He demanded its immediate withdrawal, alleging that the circular is being used to alter natural contours despite existing contour plans prepared by the Surveyor General of India.
“Based on this circular, the Town Planning Department is allowing changes to hill contours. Private architects submit their own plans, and permissions are granted by bypassing the Surveyor General of India’s contour plans. This must be immediately retracted,” Rebello said.
He sought a review of all permissions granted without reference to the Surveyor General’s contour plans and called for a temporary stay on ongoing constructions. “For the moment, construction should be halted so that these permissions can be reconsidered in line with the official contour plans,” he said.
Rebello stressed that the issue is not confined to any specific area. “The area is irrelevant. These forests belong to the people of Goa. Nothing was built here for years. What is happening now is at the cost of the people and at the cost of infrastructure,” he said.
Raising concerns over basic amenities, he added, “You are providing water, electricity, sewerage, and roads to such developments when Goans themselves don’t get these facilities. No development should come at the cost of the people. We have our own homes; we don’t need our hills destroyed.”
He also warned against zoning changes and the conversion of paddy fields. “If land is sold off and zones are changed indiscriminately, where will future generations of Goans go?” Rebello asked.
Responding to the concerns, Sawant said he had heard the points raised and would review them to examine the issues highlighted.
