Mon Dec 16 18:09:30 UTC 2024: ## Goan Anger Boils Over: Unplanned Development Sparks Outcry
**PANJIM, GOA** – A simmering discontent among Goans, fueled by what many perceive as destructive development policies, is reaching a boiling point, according to theologian Fr. Victor Ferrao and several activists. Ferrao’s recent article, “The Boiling Point of Goan Blood,” highlights a growing sense of alienation among locals who feel increasingly powerless in the face of rapid, unplanned urbanization and industrialization.
The article cites several ongoing protests as evidence of this rising anger, including those against the Velsao double-tracking project, the Borim Bridge construction, and the expansion of the Bhoma industrial area. These protests, often met with insufficient government response, reflect a broader frustration with authorities perceived as prioritizing economic interests over the needs and concerns of the Goan people.
Abhijeet Prabhudesai, Convenor of the Federation of Rainbow Warriors, echoes these sentiments, arguing that the current model of development threatens the unique Goan culture and traditional land management systems like the Gaonkari system. He points out that this system, which has ensured sustainable land use for millennia, is being undermined by those viewing land solely as a capital asset.
Victor Hugo Gomes, Founder of the Goa Chitra Museum Group, adds another layer to the critique, highlighting the historical context of land use in Goa and how policies like the Land to the Tiller Act have contributed to the current situation. He emphasizes the erosion of traditional practices and the disregard for the rights of Goans in the face of unchecked development.
Ferrao draws a parallel to Pankaj Mishra’s “Age of Anger,” suggesting that Goans, like many globally, are expressing their frustration through anger at being sidelined by development that disregards their interests. He emphasizes that this anger is legitimate but warns of the need for calm and conscious action to prevent escalation.
While some past protests, like the GBA agitation, yielded positive results, the current situation demonstrates a shift in governance, with less responsiveness to public concerns. Ferrao and others express deep concern that Goa is becoming a colony again, with outside interests exploiting its resources and marginalizing the local population. The reliance on court battles, as the only remaining avenue for redressal, further highlights the failure of other governance mechanisms.
Prabhudesai believes that a mass movement is the only hope for reversing the current trajectory. He argues that only a people’s revolution, empowered by the resilience of Goan communities, can restore a balance and safeguard Goa’s unique identity and environment. The future, he warns, depends on a radical shift away from unsustainable, exploitative development practices before irreversible damage is done.
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