Panaji: Hema Sardesai Vows to Lay Down Her Life for Conserving Goan Serenity

From ARES
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SP)

Panaji, Jun 17: 'If our demands to free Goa of destructive elements are not met, I will undertake fast unto death. I have never spoken a lie in my life and vouch for what I have said now. I am determined to conserve the unique beauty of Goa,' declared celebrity singer Hema Sardesai. She was speaking after taking part in the 'Public Assembly Against Construction, Conversion and Mining' convention organised by likeminded NGOs and celebrities at Panaji on Monday, June 16.

Goan celebrities and activists rallied behind the cause of saving Goa, which is being robbed of it's beauty. The convention was held to draw the attention of the general public about the mass destruction going on this beatiful state located on the west coast of the country.

Sardesai demanded for according a special status for Goa for ensuring that the land here is not sold to non-Goans. Internationally renowned pop singer Remo Fernandes, environmentalists like advocate Norma Alvares, Rajendra Kelkar, Mathany Saldanha and others who participated in this convention, stoutly supported her demand, as they strongly feel that urgent steps need to be initiated to save Goa from disaster.

In her brief speech, the singer wanted enactment of legislation against voting rights to the migrant labourers who form a big chunk of the population here. She also demanded setting up of transit camps for housing the labourers to ensure that slums do not mushroom in Goa. 'Never allow setting up of non-Indian colonies in the state. Construction licences should be granted in the state only after proper infrastructure is put in place', she insisted. She also compared the ruling governments to mafias out to make money irrespective of what damage they inflict on the society. The singer held the Goans responsible for the worsening situation, because their inability to stand united against the onslaught on the state.

The convention was a resounding success, drawing active support from activists from nooks  and corners of the state. Nature lovers and activists who have long been involved in battles against anti people projects and policies to save the state from getting plundered, came together under one roof at the convention and resolved to fight for this noble cause unitedly. Former state tourism minister and activist Mathany Saldanha suggested to restrict construction activities to ground floor plus one uppter storey for rural Goa and ground floor plus three floors for urban centres in Goa, for conserving the unique character of the villages and the state. Saldanha, who has been spearheading an agitation against the formation of economic zones in the state, clarified that he was not against development but insisted that it should not be at the cost of the society at large.