PANAJI: AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas is set to introduce two key private member bills in the upcoming Tenth Session of the Eighth Goa Legislative Assembly, the Coastal Creek Protection Bill and the Agricultural Land Protection Bill, in a bid to address long-standing environmental and agrarian issues in the state.
In a press release issued today, the Aam Aadmi Party stated that the two bills reflect the party’s commitment to genuine environmental stewardship and the revival of Goa’s agricultural heritage.
The Coastal Creek Protection Bill aims to tackle the growing neglect and degradation of Goa’s coastal creeks, which are vital for irrigation, fisheries, and ecological balance. The legislation proposes a legal framework to curb plastic pollution, unchecked exploitation, and encroachments. It also seeks to empower local communities and hold polluters accountable.
The second bill, the Agricultural Land Protection Bill, is aligned with the Goa Amrit Kaal Agricultural Policy, 2023, and aims to expand and modernise the definition of agriculture in the state. The bill advocates for sustainable, technology-driven farming practices to help restore Goa’s agrarian legacy and bring 75% of the population back to farming.
“Goa’s creeks are suffocating, and its farmlands are slipping away, yet some local politicians have the gall to claim credit for work they never touched,” said Viegas. “These bills are AAP’s promise to fight for our environment and farmers with real solutions, not recycled promises. I appeal to all the MLAs to support these bills and back this vision for a sustainable Goa.”
