I strongly support retired Justice Ferdino Rebello's call for a 'People's Movement to Save Goa', attended by citizens from across the State, as reported in your publication. The comprehensive 10-point charter released at the event addresses crucial issues like protecting hills and forests, safeguarding agricultural land, and banning development near natural assets. However, it's disheartening to see ads regarding conversion applications for large tracts of land, including cultivable and natural cover areas near water bodies, totalling 70,565 square metres. This comes amidst revelations by Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, that 166 real estate and rating companies and 110 construction firms were registered in Goa over the past 16 months.(as per news report dated December 12, 2025) The charter's provisions are essential to preserving Goa's unique ecosystem. I urge citizens to participate in this movement and demand responsible development. With such large-scale conversions and corporate interests at play, it's clear that this movement is not just necessary, but urgent. It's now or never. Let's save Goa from unchecked exploitation.
