Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Dec 30: Former Bombay High Court judge Justice Ferdino Rebello has called for a statewide public movement to safeguard Goa’s ecology and villages, urging citizens to unite against land conversions, offshore casinos and alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
In a public appeal, Justice Rebello demanded the repeal of all laws permitting changes in land zoning, insisting that such repeals should be enforced with retrospective effect. Emphasising the need for collective action, he said he was ready to actively support and coordinate the movement, even sharing his WhatsApp number with citizens interested in joining the initiative.
Referring to recent protests in Arambol against development in forest areas, Rebello said similar resistance should emerge across Goa to protect hills, rivers, lakes, seashores and villages. He criticised what he described as unchecked development, pointing out that hundreds of plots with swimming pools are being created even as many Goans struggle with severe water shortages.
“This should become a people’s movement all over Goa to protect our natural resources from developers,” he said.
Outlining key demands, the former judge called for a complete ban on development on hills, irrespective of gradient, and the repeal of all laws allowing zoning or land-use changes. He also sought an immediate halt to all projects that lack approvals or are being carried out illegally.
Justice Rebello stressed that all development must strictly adhere to the precautionary principle, placing the burden on developers to prove that their projects will cause no environmental harm, either in the present or the future. He further said no large-scale development or plotting should be allowed in villages without a scientific study on the area’s carrying capacity.
He also demanded the removal of all casinos from the Mandovi river and strict action against illegal structures in CRZ areas, including sealing of premises, suspension of licences and demolition of unauthorised constructions.
Calling for accountability, Rebello said government officials, architects and surveyors found submitting false reports or notes should face criminal prosecution along with disciplinary action.