The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), a prominent civil society group, has announced a major public gathering to voice growing public anger against alleged corruption and illegal activities in the state. The meeting is scheduled for December 19 at Azad Maidan in Panaji.
Public Outcry After Arpora Fire Tragedy
GBA convener Sabina Martins, addressing the media on Sunday, stated that the assembly will focus on contentious illegal zone changes. A primary point of discussion will be the case of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in Arpora where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives last week. Martins questioned the fundamental legality of the establishment's location, asking how a salt pan area could be converted for such a use. She issued a stark warning, stating that more lives will be lost if rules continue to be violated with impunity.
Legal Battle Over Bhutani's Acqua Eden Project
In a significant development, Martins revealed that the GBA plans to approach the Supreme Court to challenge a recent judgment by the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The HC had dismissed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that contested the permissions granted for Bhutani's proposed Acqua Eden Project, a luxury villa development in Sancoale. This project has faced stiff opposition from local residents and environmental organizations.
Martins expressed deep disappointment with the High Court's ruling, alleging it ignored substantial evidence of negligence by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department. She pointed out a contradiction, noting that the TCP had approved the outer development plans for areas including Arpora-Nagoa, Calangute, Parra, and Candolim, which the same High Court had previously stayed. "How could the same HC say that they trust the TCP’s decision-making? This is highly questionable," Martins asserted.
Allegations of Negligence and Future Risks
The GBA convener further alleged serious procedural lapses in the Sancoale panchayat's handling of the Bhutani project. She claimed the panchayat issued a construction license without properly verifying the relevant documents. Martins emphasized that allowing construction in eco-sensitive zones poses severe long-term risks for Goa. She warned that such activities could lead to environmental disasters, including landslides, flooding, and more fires, jeopardizing the state's fragile ecosystem and public safety.
The upcoming public meeting is positioned as a critical platform to consolidate public opinion and demand greater accountability from planning authorities and the judiciary.
