A high-level delegation led by former Bombay High Court judge and retired Allahabad High Court Chief Justice, Ferdino Rebello, met Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Panaji on Thursday. The group submitted a detailed 10-point charter of demands focusing on urgent environmental and planning reforms for the coastal state.
Core Demands: No Compromise on TCP Act Changes
Justice Rebello, in a conversation with the media after the meeting, clarified that the demands presented are "immediately actionable and did not require legislative amendments." However, he firmly stated there would be "no compromise on the core demand" to revoke Sections 17(2) and 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. He emphasised that this crucial step could be taken by the state government "today or tomorrow," urging decisive action.
The delegation specifically called for the withdrawal of a recent government circular that they argue facilitates problematic development. They objected to provisions within it that permit "counter plans" prepared by private parties, a mechanism the TCP department uses to allow alterations to hills. Rebello stressed that all development approvals must be based exclusively on Survey of India plans. He demanded an immediate halt and review of all construction permissions granted under this circular.
Public Momentum and Casino Concerns
This meeting followed a massive public gathering in Panaji on Tuesday, where hundreds of Goans rallied in response to Rebello's call for a 'people's movement'. He had warned against unchecked hill-cutting, forest diversion, and what he termed the state's "moral and ecological collapse."
While not formally part of the submitted charter, Justice Rebello also highlighted strong public sentiment against the offshore casinos anchored in the Mandovi river. He noted that a call for their removal within six months received "a thunderous applause" at the Tuesday gathering. "Restoring the Mandovi to its natural state and former glory remains a priority," he asserted.
Key Points of the 10-Point Charter
The comprehensive charter presented to the Chief Minister includes several critical demands aimed at sustainable development. The key points are:
- A complete ban on cutting hill slopes and any construction upon them.
- Conducting a scientific carrying-capacity study for each village before permitting any major development.
- Taking strict action against officials found facilitating illegal construction projects.
- Stringent enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
- Repealing provisions in the TCP Act that allow arbitrary zoning changes.
- Implementing stricter protocols for environmental clearances.
Rebello expressed concern that "permanent and drastic changes in land use" are being approved by sidelining established models like the regional plan and outline development plans, often without assessing a village's carrying capacity.
Reflecting on the meeting with CM Sawant, the former Chief Justice said, "Sawant listened patiently and appeared to understand the concerns. The final decision rests with the government." The ball is now in the state administration's court to act on these pressing issues that have galvanised significant public support.
