To start on a positive note, AAP’s governance has been better than that of many earlier MLAs. However, Goa, and especially Colva, is facing rapid real estate growth. Large housing complexes and villas with multiple swimming pools are coming up, mostly by developers from outside Goa. This affects air and water quality, traffic, overcrowding, water supply and power. Many Goans also worry about losing their sense of belonging.
I had appreciated AAP leaders for speaking against such water- and power-heavy projects elsewhere. But similar concerns are not raised in AAP-led areas. One example is the set of villas coming up in Colva’s 3rd Ward, including in a CRZ and fishermen-designated zone. The AAP-backed Colva Panchayat has approved the project and avoided discussion in the Gram Sabha, which raises concerns about transparency.
Most investors are from Delhi and North India. We do not want Colva moving towards that development model. I hope AAP takes this request positively.
