NT Reporter
Pernem
Raising objection to large-scale land conversions in his constituency, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said, “I will stand with my people if conversion of land continues.”
“In Mandrem constituency hills are converted to settlement. I have been vocal on this matter. The authorities and officials are responsible for this,” Arolkar told reporters, alleging that 2.36 lakh sqm has already been converted.
“I don’t know how this land is converted. Were the people, villagers taken into confidence?” he said.
Stating that it is the people who are opposing the conversion, the MLA said “if people don’t want it, it should be cancelled.
“The remaining 60 lakh sqm provisional conversion needs to be revoked or else the villages and people will be finished and outsiders will dominate. Outsiders are coming to Goa calling it a second home. Zoning that has happened in Mandrem, we are against it. In the list, all are outsiders and none are Goan,”
he said. He added that development and progress should take place within limits and only after taking people into confidence, and said he has requested the TCP department to look into the matter.
“In the name of development of Pernem, vast land is being developed. I am sure that the TCP Minister will give justice to the people of the Pernem,” he said.
As per documents, 60 lakh sqm land is for provisional conversion.
Arolkar said provisional means that it is accepted but before it can be done, objections and suggestions of the people should have
been taken.
