Recovery from memory Lane 2008:Trusting GBA will be satyanash for Goans

Trusting GBA will be satyanash for Goans by Soter D'Souza The most trusted bogey about some saffron brigade trying to split GBA is being circulated to drum up sympathy just to protect a section of GBA leaders whose actions are detrimental to the interest of Goans. The coterie that has been stiffling the voice of the GBA for over 6 months are direct beneficiaries of the builder and mining lobby in Goa. By conveniently citing the name of Ritu Prasad, a Hindu, as the cause of dissent, this coterie is trying to suppress the voices of dissent that have been questioning the actions of the GBA over the last 6 months. A propaganda machine has been put in place to salvage the position of a few leaders who are desperately needed by the builder and mining lobby to keep under control the affairs of the GBA so that there is no dissent and protest until the Regional Plan 2021 is approved. Every goan who is concerned about Goa and the future of GBA must ask the following questions and demand their answers. 1. There was a workshop on the Regional Plan organised by GBA in September 2007. A renowned planner had made several suggestions and there were certain decisions taken. What has the GBA done in this regard? Has the GBA developed any model for a Regional Plan? 2. What is the GBA's stand on the unified Building Rules that the government is in the process of formulating for both urban and rural areas? Why has it been silent on this? 3. What has the GBA done to get the amendments 16 and 16A to the TCP Act repealed? The amendments were passed in March 2008 but no letter of protest from GBA had gone to the government until 24th May when the core team questioned those responsible for the delay. Why? 4. What has GBA done to see that the TCP Act in its present form is repealed and a new one is put in place? The present RP 2021 is being prepared under the very same Act that created the monstrous RP 2011. The Chief Town Planner is supreme and the Village Panchayats/Munipalities have no say in the planning. 5. Has GBA's demands about planning process been addressed in the present interin report of the TF? Has the interim-report been analysed by neutral persons? 6. Was the GBA core team briefed from time to time about the developments in the Task Force or was it kept a secret? Ritu Prasad of GBA was ridiculed by a builder and architect on the TF, was the matter brought to the notice of GBA? Why was it not brought ? 7. Was the GBA core team consulted before the Convenor put his signature on the interim report ? The co-convenor of the Task Force Mr. Charles Correa and the TCP Secetary have still not signed the interim report. What was the hurry of the convenor of GBA to put his signature without taking everyone into confidence? 8. Why did the Convenor make press statemnts contradicting the core team's decision to oppose the interim report in his absence without ascertaining the facts? Was the Convenor of GBA in the company of persons linked to the mining and builders' lobby on the night when this press statement was made? 9. Are there any members in the GBA who are direct or indirect beneficiaries of the construction industry in Goa? If there are, will there be a conflict of interest? 10. Has the Convenor ever sat through an entire meeting of GBA in the last one year? What has been the duration of attendance, 5 mins., 10 mins. 20 mins. ??? 11. Was the government's decision to change the mandate of the Task Force in making the Regional Plan accepted by the GBA? Did the convenor convey to the TF exactly opposite of what was decided at GBA on this matter? 12. Can the Convenor of GBA be greater than the core team? 13. Has GBA taken any steps to strengthen its grass-root base? Why? Is it reduced to another elite NGO? Please ask the embarassing questions to these leaders of GBA. They are accountable to every Goan and do not let them take you all for a ride by sponsoring an orchestrated media campaign to suppress the voices of dissent within GBA. Nothing in GBA must be kept away from public domain because it is a people's movement. History warns us that Prophets have always been ridiculed and even stoned to death. But the truth has to be spoken. We are ready to do it for the well being of Goa and we will not crumble to the cookies and pastries from builders. Let this warning be on record so that the Truth will be revealed in time to come. Realising the truth later may be a costly affair for Goa and Goans. Soter D'Souza A dissenting core team member of GBA