the goan I network
MAPUSA
The movement against PDAs and RP-2021 is gaining momentum much to the discomfort of the BJP-led government and its ally Goa Forward.
Now, the Goenkarancho Ekvott has joined hands with Pilerne Citizens Forum (PCF) to organize a public meeting in Saligao on Sunday (April 15) to protest against the revival of RP-2021 and inclusion of villages in PDAs.
Opposing the government against the twin issues, PCF President Prakash Bandodkar said the decision to include villages in PDAs was by force and blatantly illegal.
“The destruction of Goa has begun. And Goa Forward is responsible for this sad state of affairs in Goa,” Bandodkar said.
He said all villages come under the TCP Act and since 1986 all permissions were given by the TCP department.
“In 2012, Parrikar-led BJP government kept the RP-2021 in abeyance and promised to draft a new plan. So, what was the urgency to revive the plan?” he asked.
Bandodkar said that during the 2017 assembly elections, TCP Minister Vijai Sardessai had promised to de-notify the RP-2021 and bring a new plan for Goa.
“The issue of Regional Plan is very dear to Pilerne Citizens Forum. We gave our time and energy to reject the previous ill-conceived plans,” he said.
“We backed Vijai Sardessai in the assembly polls with the hope that they will do something for Goa. But sadly Goa Forward has dashed all our hopes,” he continued.
With the intention to spread the movement the organizers plan to hold a meeting in South Goa, after the Saligao meet.
“We will then hold constituency-wise meetings. All other NGOs including Goenkar Against PDA and like-minded leaders will join the movement,” the PCF chief said.
