Protests Erupt in Goa Over Controversial Land Use Law
Demonstration Against Land Use Changes
On Monday, a large group of demonstrators gathered outside the residence of Goa minister Vishwajit Rane in Dona Paula, voicing their opposition to a controversial provision regarding land-use changes under the Town and Country Planning Act.
In light of the protests, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed that such demonstrations outside a minister's home were inappropriate, suggesting that concerns should be formally presented to the collector.
The unrest began on Saturday when residents from Palem-Siridao in the St Andre Assembly constituency staged a sit-in at the Town and Country Planning Department, demanding the annulment of land modifications approved under Section 39A of the Act.
Section 39A, enacted in 2024, grants the chief town planner the authority to alter development plans, allowing for 'spot zoning' changes based on individual requests, which can be publicly contested for 30 days.
Spot zoning involves the reclassification of a specific parcel of land for a purpose that differs from the surrounding area's designated use.
Protesters claim that the Town and Country Planning Department is misusing Section 39A to convert over 84,000 square meters of land in Palem-Siridao, including hills and orchards, into a 'settlement' zone, which would enable construction in these areas.
Viresh Borkar, the St Andre MLA and leader of the Revolutionary Goans Party, criticized the rampant land conversions permitted under this provision, warning that it could devastate entire villages across Goa. He emphasized the protesters' demand for the provision's repeal.
Borkar has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Panaji since Saturday, and during the protest at the Town and Country Planning Department, he alleged that police officers forcibly removed him. The protesters are calling for accountability for the officers involved.
On Monday, demonstrators chose to continue their protest outside Rane's residence, marching from Azad Maidan despite police barricades along the route.
Several opposition figures, including Congress leaders Yuri Alemao and Sunil Kawthankar, as well as Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas, joined the protest outside Rane's home. However, they later returned to Azad Maidan due to concerns over Borkar's health.
Alemao indicated that future actions would be determined after further discussions, as Borkar's condition had worsened. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.
Later that evening, Chief Minister Sawant acknowledged the right to protest but insisted that it should be conducted within reasonable limits, stating that visiting a minister's home infringes on personal privacy.
In response to allegations of Borkar being 'manhandled' during the protest, Sawant noted that government offices must consider the safety of their staff and sensitive documents.