Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 9: Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Oka have extended their support to Goa’s ‘Enough is Enough’ movement, calling for people-centric development and strong protection of the state’s fragile ecology and cultural identity.
Describing the movement as compelling, Gavai said development must serve the people, preserve culture and safeguard the future. He expressed hope that constitutional authorities would give serious consideration to the demands raised by the movement and agreed with the principle that Goans have the right to remain stakeholders, not outsiders, in their own land.
The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement, launched by former Allahabad High Court chief justice Ferdino Rebello, has been demanding urgent action against rampant land conversions, illegal hill cutting and unregulated real estate development, which it says are threatening Goa’s ecological balance.
Justice Oka invoked constitutional responsibilities, stating that while every citizen has a fundamental duty to protect forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife, it is the collective duty of the state to protect the environment. He warned that failure by the state to fulfil these obligations leads to environmental destruction and pollution, violating citizens’ fundamental right to a pollution-free life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
“The authorities in Goa have an additional responsibility. This state has been gifted with natural beauty and a rich heritage, and they have a duty to protect it at any cost,” Oka said, rejecting the notion of development that comes at the cost of environmental destruction. He added that there can be no real development if nature is destroyed in the name of so-called progress.
The endorsement by the two former Supreme Court judges is seen as a significant boost to the movement, which is seeking to mobilise widespread public support across Goa through mass meetings and protests.
The movement has submitted a 10-point charter of demands to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, including the repeal of Sections 17(2) and 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, which permit changes in zoning, land use and floor area ratio. It has also demanded the withdrawal of a 2023 circular issued by the TCP department allowing the use of unofficial topographic survey maps while permitting hill cutting.
Rebello, a former Cuncolim MLA, reiterated that the movement is apolitical and represents citizens’ concerns related to land, water, environment, employment and the preservation of Goa’s identity.