Loliem gram sabha recently refused to allot comunidade land for government's Film City plan. This is one example of people across Goa opposing govt proposed projects across the state. Goa govt normally resorts to the defence that " people protesting are against development" but going by the negative track record of ruling MLAs/Ministers (many who act as major real estate brokers); is the general fear amongst Goans not justified? Just take the example of changing face of Pernem (and its eroding identity) where the Goa govt has unnecessarily gone for a second airport at Mopa with numerous promises made to locals only to fool them as we currently can confirm. However, if the Goa Govt had a holistic plan that clearly outlines the preservation of Goa (protected by law) and its environment with the explanation of need for certain projects and sustainable development, I am certain that opposition to genuine projects will be to the minimum! Right now there is very high suspicion, scepticism and lack of trust among many Goans of their ruling politicians; and so can you really blame these protestors and tag them as "anti-development"?
