BJP government must prioritise the preservation of Goa’s environment over the interests of the real estate lobby: Goa TMC
Goa Trinamool Congress strongly slammed the BJP-led government’s destructive and corrupt practices in the name of “correction” and the conversion of Orchard land measuring 62,000 square meters into a Settlement Zone in Morjim village. AITC National Spokesperson Trajano D’Mello, Goa TMC ST/SC Coordinator Santosh Mandrekar, and Goa TMC Minority wing Co-cordinator Vincent Fernandes demanded the Pramod Sawant-led government to revert the land to its status of Orchard Zone, and withdraw the Gazette dated April 20th, 2023 during a press conference at the party office.
Launching a scathing attack against the BJP-led government for failing to protect Goenkars, AITC National Spokesperson Trajano D’Mello said, ‘The BJP government is not interested in critical issues such as Mhadei, double tracking, and the environment. They have no plans to work for the betterment of Goa and are instead focused on finishing whatever is left in the state within its five-year term.’ He further added, ‘BJP, in the name of “correction,” is causing destruction, corruption, and devastation to the environment by converting orchard land into a settlement zone. The destruction of homes for many wild animals and the loss of biodiversity are significant concerns. The displacement of these animals and the depletion of natural water sources will have a detrimental impact on the local farmers who depend on them for their livelihoods.’
Highlighting the legal lapses in the above matter, D’Mello asserted, ‘In total, 62,365 m2 has been corrected as settlement land as per Gazette dated April 20th, 2023. These are owned by Gangareddy Infra Private Limited (54,542 m2) and Mr. Konidela Ramcharan Tej (7,823)’ Adding on, he said, ‘The BJP government’s decision to convert the orchard land into a settlement zone is based on an ‘error’ that was pointed out by the applicants. Is the ‘correction’ being used to destroy the environment and fill the pockets of everyone involved?, The applicant has blocked off an essential grazing ground for animals and a space for people to move around, by placing a gate on the plateau. How is this fair?’
Holding the TCP Minister, Vishwajit Rane, accountable for the rampant corruption and destruction of the environment in Morjim, D’Mello emphasized, ‘When the locals complained about extensive hill cutting in the area, the TCP Minister went on record to say that an order has been issued to halt massive hill cutting and that action will be taken against all those involved, Is this the action that he spoke of?’ He added, ‘In addition to the conversion, the BJP government has failed to protect the Mhadei river. Goa is falling short of water on one side and borewells are being dug on the other. They are building ten borewells in the above-said area, despite there being a water tank built in 2005 that remains unused to this day. This is a blatant murder of the environment and biodiversity in the area.’
Reiterating the party’s demand, D’Mello said, ‘The BJP government must revert the land to its status of Orchard zone.’ He asserted, ‘If the BJP government has any conscience about saving Goa, they must act now to preserve it for the younger generation, who deserve better than a destroyed, corrupt, and immoral state.’
