It’s really sad to see so much real estate activity in Goa turning the State into a concrete jungle. This is causing destruction of hills, water bodies, fields, forests, and trees, leading to higher temperatures and pollution. We can’t expect the real estate industry to take the lead in stopping this destruction because their main goal is to make as much profit as possible, no matter the cost. My question to the elected MLAs, especially Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequiera, and all other ministers: Does your government genuinely want to preserve Goa for future generations?
Goa’s ministers often use the “Constitution of India” as an excuse for their inability to protect Goa from destruction and sale. However, there are ways within the constitutional framework that the state government can use to slow down or restrict large-scale land development. For example, places like Coonoor in Tamil Nadu have laws that limit each plot to no more than 2500 sq ft of development. Why can’t the Goa government consider similar laws from other parts of India to urgently protect Goa from excessive development?
If Goan politicians hesitate to act due to their own selfish interests in power and wealth, then the public must pressure all MLAs to act in Goa’s best interests instead of accepting their excuses.
