In a powerful show of solidarity, Goa TMC opposed the proposed amendments to 16(b) of the Town and Country Planning Act and 17(2) of the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010. Goa TMC Joint Convenor Samil Volvaiker, AITC National Spokesperson Trajano DMello, and IT Convenor Tanoj Adwalpalkar demanded the TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane initiate a thorough CBI and ED inquiry to uncover 500 crore scam during a press conference at the party office in Panaji.
Slamming the BJP-led government for undermining Goa’s environment, Samil Volvaiker said, ‘The BJP government’s introduction of various amendments, particularly the contentious 17(2) amendment, is alarming. The rampant land conversions sanctioned under this amendment pose a grave threat to the very fabric of the state and its future generations.’ He further added, ‘A delegation from the TMC visited Morjim village and witnessed that a staggering 60,000 square meters of land had been converted, endangering a precious plateau that once boasted serene water bodies, essential grazing spots for cattle, and a diverse range of trees.’
Shedding light on the grave concerns surrounding the 17(2) Amendment, Trajano D’Mello said, ‘In the name of correction, there’s destruction. The Amendment has destroyed forest land, orchards, and eco-sensitive zones in Goa.’ Adding on he said, ‘In the past, land conversion decisions were made through an inclusive and consultative process. However, the introduction of the 17(2) amendment has transformed this process into an individual-driven exercise, where decisions are made unilaterally. Instead of taking a consultative process, the TCP Minister has been taking decisions on his own.’
Launching a scathing attack against TCP Minister, Vishwajit Rane, D’Mello asserted, ‘The Minister appears preoccupied with facilitating further land conversions, contrary to his responsibilities.’ He further added, ‘Despite the tireless efforts of activists who have written letters to multiple ministers, including the TCP Minister, to bring attention to the destructive consequences in areas like the Mandur Azzosim belt, their concerns have been ignored and disregarded.’
Holding TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane accountable for the destruction of Goa’s devastation, D’Mello emphasized, ‘Rane took to Twitter on June 7, expressing shock and labeling RP 2021 as a fraud. These are not mere accusations, but words spoken by the Minister himself. He called ‘RP 2021’ a scam, that he inherited from the author, Digambar Kamat. Why is he silent ?’ He further stressed, ‘We demand the TCP Minister to complain with CBI and ED to unearth the 500 crore scam. It can’t be done by tabling it on the floor of the House as there have been numerous issues that have been tabled and yet
