Takes cognisance of note by retired Justice Rebello
Panaji: Taking cognisance of the ‘Enough is Enough’ movement in Goa led by retired Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Ferdino Rebello, President Droupadi Murmu’s Secretariat has directed the state government to address the movement’s ten-point charter of demands regarding “unchecked construction in villages”.
Following a memorandum submitted by Rebello on January 12, 2026, the President’s Secretariat forwarded the representation to the Union Home Ministry. In turn, the Centre communicated with the state government, prompting Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Naik to direct the Chief Town Planner and the Revenue Department to take appropriate action on the subject – ‘People of Goa against unchecked construction in villages, changing its topography and demography’.
The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement, which formalised its demands on January 6, 2026, raises strong objections to unregulated construction in the state. Activists have warned that rampant development is altering Goa’s topography and demography, with excessive private housing projects straining essential resources like water and electricity.
Beyond ecological concerns, the group has cautioned that these trends threaten to displace local residents and erode Goa’s identity, cultural heritage and the Konkani language.
The movement’s primary demands include repeal of Sections 17(2) and 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, which activists claim facilitate illegal land conversions and “pillage” of hills and fields, relocating all casino vessels from the Mandovi River, reversing a 2023 circular that allowed hill-cutting and freezing construction permissions involving contour changes. Justice Rebello has drafted an Agricultural Land Protection Bill to safeguard Goa’s remaining land for future generations.
The movement has garnered backing from prominent legal figures, including former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai.
Large public meetings have been held across the state in locations like Panaji, Margao and Canacona to unite various NGOs and community groups into a single front.
