GGRM meet on Draft Regional plan 2021

Dear All ,

At the out set let me thank each and every one of you on behalf of GGRM for coming on 23rd Jan and contributing to the meeting held at T.B Chuna hall ,Panjim .
If you coulde not make it we still look forward to your participation in the future .
Kindly find the uplink whereby you can see some of the recordings /photographs that were made of the speakers .
http://picasaweb.google.com/dmellomiranda/GGRMMEETONRP2021?authkey=soqu1ZDAdAs#
Please find below minutes of the meeting taken down to the best of our ability .
Kind Regards
Kim Miranda
Seceratary
GGRM
9422443855

GGRM ORGINISED Goa People's Assembly on the Draft Regional Plan 2021
at T. B Cunha Hall at 04.00 p.m. on 23rd January 2009
The Kerala model of participatory planning was presented by Mr. Soter D'Souza.
GGRM Convenor, Mrs. Geraldine Fernandes welcomed the participants to the peoples' assembly with a brief on the beginning of GGRM as a movement towards a better and equitable Goa for all. The moderator for the evening, Mr. Soter D'Souza was then requested to take forward the sessions.
Mr. D'Souza stated that the evening was about testimonies of Gram Sabha members on their experience in the participatory planning process outlined in the Draft RP 2021 as well as the difficulties faced by them at the village level. He further introduced Mr. Abhijeet Dessai who would take the participants through the process of the Draft RP 2021.

Mr. Dessai stated that RP through its name is indicative of a process of planning. He explained that planning in RP referred to procedures of physical, social and economic planning, through which there had to be a clear understanding of the present situation in terms of resources i.e. what is, etc. He outlined planning in three steps namely a) Data Collection and Analysis b) Vision Establishment c) Mechanism and processes needed for the way forward. By RP 2021, he said that the Government envisages a vision statement till 2021. The two levels of planning which was stated by Mr. Dessai was top à down and down à top, the former done by a committee of few members whereas the latter includes people as central to the planning process. Such a document on planning was put together by the Task force.
He stated that the origin of regional plans was the constitution of the TCP Act in 1964 which made way for such plans to be prepared by the TCP dept. RP 2001 was the first, followed by RP 2011. RP 2011 was scrapped as it failed for varied reasons, one being no available data for the people to make informed decisions. He stated that in the draft RP 2021 spatial plans which were generally the last step, were already prepared, which was indicative of the realities in the process of participation. Further it was stated in the draft RP 2021 book that the plans incorporated the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments with participatory planning, quite contrary to the maps received, as proposals were already made such as marinas, golf courses, etc; whereas natural resources, water bodies etc were not shown.
The next caution was with regard to whether the objections, suggestions will be put forth effectively and adequately, given the inadequate data and training received by the Gram Sabha members along with the Village committee. Planning wrongly done would lead to implications for the future.

Mr. Dessai stated that basic necessities for life like food, water, air, shelter and environment should be the focus of planning, as this would ensure a sustainable future for all, not the proposed developmental projects.
Mr. Soter then led the participants to the next part of the sessions where various gram sabha members were to present their testimonies.
Ceasar Fernandes of Colva stated that the draft RP 2021 was a sham as the most visible and highlighted colour was brown which indicated settlement. He stated that water bodies were missing, further there was inadequate data through which effective verification could be done e.g. road maps, economic surveys, etc. The elected village committee had objected to work on RP 2021 as there was no basis for analysis and data collection. Further, a group had gathered to collect and collate information; this however would not be submitted at the Gram Sabhas. He said that the only concern of concerned authorities was filling of the questionnaire which may or may not be binding. He felt that work on the draft RP should stop and a demand for a proper planning process should be undertaken.
Shanti Fortes of Orlim said that she was happy on hearing that a new plan was put forth and volunteered in the Village Committee, but was sad to see the confusion. She questioned the legality of the forms as also the process of distribution, which was unclear to the Panchayat body. Information on proposed road width, village carrying capacity was erroneous and faulty.
Salvador of Sao Jose de Areal stated that till date no technical committee had come to give them an explanation on the map. The dates had been postponed 3 times already. Further a non functional Canal which was built by the Government 20 years back was not mapped. Railway link, industrial zones and an additional pipeline were all proposed over existing cultivated fields even though such projects were opposed in the past.

Paul Fernandes of Pilerne spoke about the manner in which their village committee was constituted. He stated that the Sarpanch read out 20 names of people who would be in the committee and ended the Gram Sabha. Technical personnel of the village were not included. Further, the BDO was also not present. Only the selected village committee was given inputs by the TCP technical team. Other Gram Sabha members were not allowed to attend the same. He questioned that if this could truly be called a participatory process when the initial process was undemocratic.
Romana Cardozo of Siridao stated that although the maps were given, no one explained to the people on the interpretation of the same. The panchayat members themselves stayed away from the people. She stated that the people would ensure that no plan would be imposed on them. Since there were no technical persons to study the map they were clueless of what the map represented.
Damian Telles of Candolim stated that they were not consulted in planning for the village. Further water bodies were missing.
Gabriel Gomes of khandepar, Ponda said that 60 % of forest had been marked as eco sensitive zone 1. He further stated that through the traditional wisdom passed from their ancestors the villagers continue to grow and dependent on farming and related activities. The number of literate people were also few and they lived mostly in small homes as joint families. At present NH 4 passes through their village on a 10 mtr road. Proposals for acquisition were in process for the last 12 years for a 45 mtr road, which failed due to the houses along the road. He stated that in the draft RP 2021 there was a proposal for an 80 mtr road which would result in displacing of around 50 – 60 houses. In effect, people would move into the hills, which could lead to clearing of forests which results that the 60 % eco sensitive zone 1 forest affected. He also stated that orchard zones were changed into settlement. Almost all Comunidade land was shown as orchard and settlement, industrial zones were also shown.

Marshall Pereira of Goa Velha said that people should reject the RP 2021 and beware of the people who put together the draft RP 2021. All proposed settlement zones should be rejected. He felt that the Government imposing settlement was with a hidden agenda benefiting builders and also would create mundkar land owner rifts. People should be allowed to ask the panchayat body for change to settlement as and when needed for houses not buildings. He stated that caution should be exercised while dealing with some NGOs as they are backbones of political parties.
Dr. Shanbhag of Nuvem stated that from Verna to Navelim an 80 mtr 6 lane National Highway was proposed. The route outlined was over River sal, the lifeline of the people in the South as well as would lead to 1000's of displacements leaving people homeless. He stated that the Gram Sabha Members and Panchayat Body unanimously resolved to opposed the national highway alignment. He stated that in the RP Book it was stated that ecological places were identified and measures for conservation listed. This seemed to contradict the proposals for highways etc put forth by the planners. Villagers of Telaulim, Verna, Nagoa, Navelim, Nuvem, etc were together opposing the national highway. He noted that together the plan could be rejected and a proper process of planning outlined. He stated that the contradictions in the book and maps were high.
Xavier Almeida of Taleigao stated that since Taleigao was passed as an ODP 2 years back, the KIT had not been given to them. He stated that there was a one man's rule and fields conversion and roads were proposed at every place. Since agriculture was the backbone, it is a sustainable alternative. He also said the 80,000 sq mtrs has been acquired for police quarters. With no adequate infrastructure there would be huge pressure on the land and resources. He stated the keeping the ODP outside the regional plan was a fraud.

Fr. Henry of Canaguinim stated that all the above was relevant to his village. Village committees were also elected in an undemocratic process. He put forth questions such as who planned and for whom was it planned. If there were objections in the past to projects why were the same proposed again. He said that mining of bauxite was proposed on vast areas of land and 85 % of land was considered illegal. He felt that the plan did not speak for the widowers, the daily bread earners, destitute etc. He also questioned the Governments power to label land and it usuage. There were two different maps at the district and Goa level for Canaguinim.
Dominic Fernandes of Arpora stated that the protest against land filling led them to ask for cadastral maps depicting pathways and wells. This was not made available till date. He stated without such information how can the villagers plan for their village. Baga falls in Arpora as well as Calangute Panchayat, however it was not mapped hence people of Baga were confused. He stated that the RP was not in conformation with ground reality and felt that RP was still a raping plan for 2021. He felt that the RP should have depicted the contours and topography of the place especially since that signified the true picture of Goa.
Joe of Candolim stated that everyone knew what Goa was and what it is. He further stated that with a regional plan they have seen the impact. Further the demand for inclusion of more members of the village committee was not complied with. Also, since the deadline was February, the direction the RP would take was questionable.
Orlando D'Silva of Carmona stated that he was happy to see that the movements which begin in Carmona against Raheja's housing project had grown. He stated that the 400 yr old village of Carmona had a population of around 3500 people, however in the population projection for 2021 the draft RP showed it as 4000. Most of the internal 4 mtr roads were shown as 6 mtr. All of the Carmona land as settlement which was previously orchard. Land prices had gone up, was becoming inaccessible for locals to purchase land. He stated that the definition to mega housing should be redefined by the Government to housing for not more than 10 flats.

Joao Philip Pereira of Nagoa that most of the land in Nagoa was taken for industries. This would be done at a minimal rate and sold at a rate much higher by the IDC as brokers. There were a number of bore wells dug by industries leading to which the wells of the villages have gone dry. He stated that migrant labour had increased the pressure on land and displaced few locals. Problems of Garbage disposal was faced by the villagers as most of the area for disposal was acquired by IDC. He stated that the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 should be challenged in the Regional Plan to put a check on the Government acquiring land for public purpose. He stated that the people should take advantage of the fact that an opportunity to plan has been given to them.
Edwin Fonseca of Assagao felt that the basis for preparation of maps and zones were not shown, settlement zones had been increased. Without existing infrastructure for the villagers, this should have been stopped.
Agnelo Furtado of Chinchinim felt that the Plan of RP 2021 was good as it was made by reputed people. More than 80 % of the land is marked under Eco Sensitive Zone 1. He felt that the problem was with the administration not the plan in itself. He stated that maps were being given on different scales. Ward maps on a scale of 1:2000 were not given. He stated that the Gazette changes only indicated the illegal land use changes which were trying to get legalized.
Dilano D'Costa of Dramapur stated that on superimposing the regional plan o survey maps, many irregularities were found. Further agricultural land of around 1,00,00 sq mtrs has been shown as a water body for water sports activities.
Atmaji Naik of stated that they too were facing similar situations as the other villages. Their village committee was constituted in 10 mins. They had overlaid satellite images on the regional plan and many inaccuracies were seen. Roads of 20 mtr were proposed etc. He felt that there was lots of misinformation and misguidance. He felt that a united stand would need to be taken against the RP 2021.

David Fernandes of Arpora felt that just as private forests were demarcated, Comunidade forests should also be noted separately. Major portions of the forest were shown as orchards. He questioned the basis of which forests and orchards were labeled, as on ground verification they were forests. If due to decreased density, the Government should propose afforestation activities not change zoning into orchard.
Pundalik Raikar of Taleigao reiterated Xavier earlier statement. He felt that since peoples votes are traded so are their rights. He felt the need for a new political formation. The people will decide and plan for their village.
Fr. Bismark felt that no information or data or maps were provided to study and understand the draft RP 2021. Resources such as RP2001 and Gazette Notifications, surface utilisation maps were needed for studies which were not provided. He felt that people were timeless, resource less and in no way participating in the RP. He questioned the basis of constituting the committee and their representatives. Since the process for planning RP was significant, he felt that there was no clear direction. The people should keep the larger vision for Goa and its villages while planning. He also questioned the legality of the resolutions taken on Draft RP 2021.
Anthony G of Orlim stated that River Sal being the lifeline should be protected. The draft proposed projects which would disrupt the smooth flow of water etc. further he felt that sewage systems were close to the wells leading to contamination of drinking water. He stated that we should protect the life line which is river Sal.
The moderator concluded by stating that the base maps of the draft RP had not reached the people including necessary technical assistance. Inadequate mapping of natural resources, water bodies, roads etc have been seen in villages. Land use changes have already started, where people with vested interests seek for change against the larger interests of the people. Lifeline for villagers i.e. water, food and shelter are being overlooked. He stated that a thorough research should have been done prior to commencing of the work of presenting plans. Catchment areas, grazing lands, traditional use of forest produce are overlooked in the plan.

He stated that together each and every village will need to strengthen their voices so that they are heard. The people who are silent equal to party to sale of land etc. A stand would need to be taken which is loud and clear to the Government.
A press conference would be held at 11.00 a.m. at Institute Piedade hall on 24th January 2009.
Mr. D'Souza announced that a 2 day residential workshop for women would be held at madkai, Peaceful Society on Empowerment of women in Local Governance on 31st January and 1st February 2009.
The meeting ended with the vote of thanks by Mrs. Kim Miranda Secretary GGRM .

OPPOSE THE AMMENDMENTS TO PANCHAYAT RAJ ACT.

If at all the Panchayat Raj Act in Goa needs any amendment, It should be only to give effect to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and nothing else. During the mega projects opposition agitation the Goa Panchyat Raj minister shri Azgaonkar is on record speaking in favour of the builders lobby who have destroyed Goan villages by mindless concretization. The minister blemished the protestors as anti development people . In my opinion If Goan villages are to be developed it should be first developed to improve the lives of the Goan villagers in terms of water supply, Electricity, garbage treatment, sewerage, Health, education, sports facilities, safe roads, local housing and faster judicial remedies. Protection of rivers, mountains, hills and disliting of water bodies and measures to improve agriculture and maintenance of environment and ecology of this beautiful state which are natures gifts to us should have been our major concern. Mere approval of construction of residential buildings by ruthless destruction of environment for the benefits of outsiders cannot be termed as development. This type of development has only depleted the existing resources and made local Goan life unbearable and miserable but has only enriched the pockets of our Ministers and our beaurocrats because their attitude speaks for themselves.

The Bill introduced by the minister to empower the V. P. Secretaries, by amending Sec.47 to execute the orders of the BDO, Dir of Panchyats, Deputy Dir of Panachayats and other so called higher up beurocracy in the Administration who are under the direct control of the Government / Ministers smacks of ulterior motives and is meant only to defeat the very purpose of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which the Congress propagates as their dream legislation by the Late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi on Panchayati Raj meant to give absolute powers to the Gram Sabha’s of the grass root Bodies to plan their own future. Addition of new Section 244C is also uncalled for. If at all any additional legislation is required it should be towards appointment of an Appellate Authority to be appointed under the guidance of the High Court to deal with disputes of Gram Sabha Resolutions and powers . If the Congress fails to listen to us then now is the time of election we can teach them a lesson for their double standards. Goans can you hear? Wake up Please.

Orlando S. A. Da Silva
Member V. P. Carmona and a member of Carmona Citizens Forum who opposed the Rahej’as in Carmona.