Utt Goenkara demands scrapping of all SEZs in Goa

Panaji, Nov 2 (UNI) Demanding scrapping of all the proposed Special Economic Zones in Goa, a non-government organization ''Utt Goenkara'' has today urged the Government to order a judicial probe into the ''SEZ scam'' in the state.

The NGO had also favoured enactment of a legislation to regulate sale of land to persons not of Goan origin and stern action against large-scale encroachment and land use violation on Communidade lands community farms to ensure their protection forthwith.

Addressing a press conference here today, the NGO spokesman Adv Aires Rodrigues has threatened to launch an agitation if the Government fails to scrap the SEZ, which he said, a small state like Goa does not afford to have.

The Government, in future, should consult and take into confidence all political parties and NGOs before taking any decisions that will have far reaching repercussions on the state.

He has also appealed to all political parties and NGOs to join hands to safeguard the interests of Goa and Goans by voicing against the SEZs.

Mr Rodrigues stated that the Goa Regional Plan - 2011 and the proposed SEZs were the biggest scams that any Government had hatched in Goa's post liberation history.

Stressing the need of Goa's planned development with an environmental vision by first improving its crumbling basic infrastructure, he said the Government should tackle serious issues like garbage disposal and vehicle parking in cities on a top priority.

Stating that Goa's scarce land cannot be looked upon as a commodity that can be traded by sale and resale day in and day out, Utt Goenkara had expressed deep concern about a host of advertisements appearing in newspapers everyday about land deals by unknown persons, firms and companies without realizing the impact it will have on the lifestyles of Goans.

He also regretted that even agriculture and orchard lands were not spared by these very people, firms and companies who are trying their best to sell Goa, make money and vanish.

UNI