First Press Statement

The recently constituted Taleigao Bachao Abhiyan (TBA) today held a press conference to intimate the public and press about the reasons for its constitution and its proposed agenda. Speaking at the press conference also attended by supporters of the TBA, the Convenor Mr. Jason Keith Fernandes stated that the TBA was formed to address the just needs of the people of Taleigao. Elaborating, he pointed to the increasing destruction of the environment and livelihood bases of the people of Taleigao. Hi-rise mega housing projects are mushrooming all over Taleigao, in orchards and fields, and these are having a deleterious impact on natural drainage of the village, laying the ground for flooding and malaria. This rapid transformation of the village geography is having an impact not only on the farming community, but is also destroying the possibility of agriculture as a professional option for the future. Further in the absence of adequate provision of such basic facilities such as water and electricity supply being provided for existing developments in the village, the creation of resource-guzzling development is inviting a collapse of village infrastructure. More importantly, the absence of a sewage system will ensure that the proposed developments will result in contamination of groundwater reserves of the village.

Most crucially however, it was pointed out, that all of these developments are happening without the consent of the people. The TBA pointed out that current development is being carried out on the basis of a planning model that was discredited when the incumbent Government scrapped the Regional Plan 2011. The TBA echoes the demands of the people of Goa, that land-use planning must be subsequent to rigorous socio-economic mapping and planning. As such, the TBA demands that the present ODP in force in the village be scrapped. Rather, there is a need for a Village Development Plan (VDP). This Village Development Planning should begin from the ward level, and map both existing land uses and demands, so that any inevitable change in land use may be adequately rehabilitated. The failure of such mapping and rehabilitation measures will result in an impoverishment of the village community, which is the very opposite of development.

The TBA also drew attention to recent statements by such persons as Dr. Pai Panandikar, regarding the setting up of Knowledge SEZ in the State. The TBA expresses its outright rejection of the idea of SEZ’s in the State. It cautions the Government and other interests against contemplating the transformation of the alleged ‘IT Park’ on Taleigao plateau into a Knowledge SEZ. The TBA pointed out the need to recognize the dependence of the communities of Quenem and Nagali on the land ear-marked for the alleged “IT Park”. The TBA endorses the establishment of an Urban Natural Preserve on the land. Such urban preserves, the TBA argues, should ideally be set up, to preserve open spaces that are fast being swallowed up by speculative real-estate development.

Most important to the TBA is the fact that Gram Sabhas are not held regularly as mandatory, proper agendas are not worked out, and citizens of Taleigao are not given a fair chance to voice their views and grievances at the Gram Sabhas. The TBA has taken serious note of the failure of the Panchayat of Taleigao to convene the mandated ordinary Gram Sabha, for at least three times in a row. These lapses by the panchayat have been brought to the attention of the BDO, Director of Panchayats and other appropriate authorities. The TBA strongly condemns the suppression of the voice of the people, in having a say in the development of their village.

The TBA appeals to the people of Taleigao to fearlessly associate with the Abhiyan and express their concerns for the village. The Abhiyan will shortly commence the holding of ward level meetings to ask the people of each area their needs and difficulties so that the same can be addressed at the earliest. Ward committees will be formed to maintain a continuous process of information exchange and follow up with appropriate authorities for action. We will also mobilize people against the ODP and rally people to demand a VDP. More information about the Taleigao Bachao Abhiyan may be obtained by contacting the following Jason Keith Fernandes 9764324074, Shanti Almeida 2453317, Xavier Almeida 9850207420, Pundalik Raikar 9371186651.