For years now, politicians in Goa (and India by extension) have always referred to building infrastructure as development. It’s not entirely incorrect to make that statement. But development is a far more complex word than that. I’ll be speaking from a Goa context now.
1/n

The three projects in Mollem are being touted as important developmental projects. One is claimed to be imperative to Goa’s power infrastructure. The double tracking line is apparently "for transporting vegetables to Goa." Both ‘reasons’ are practically hogwash
2/n

Goa buys power from elsewhere. It needs a complete overhaul of its infrastructure in that regard. Most of Goa’s vegetable supply comes via road from Belgaum. We don’t need to destroy an ancient forest to upgrade that infrastructure. That doesn't make sense.
#SaveMollem
3/n

Let’s get back to ‘development’, something that @drpramodpsawant, due to the lack of a rational argument, always brings up when there’s any opposition to the govt.

Goa hasn’t been developed in two decades. Whatever little HAS been done, hasn’t had any logic whatsoever.
4/n

The Atal Setu (the new bridge across the Mandovi) was built to apparently ease traffic congestion. It has, by not more than 10%.

Without solving the issues that crop up on either side of the bridge (Porvorim/Panjim bus stand), the bridge is useless.
It almost is.
5/n

Goa needs better village roads, upgraded electrical infrastructure to combat power cuts, efficient garbage management systems, multi-storey parking in congested areas, mass transit systems to push back against exorbitant taxi tariffs.

THAT @drpramodpsawant is development.
6/n

Goa doesn't require the kind of ‘development’ that the current and previous governments have managed to sell. Destroying tens of thousands of trees in Mollem isn’t necessary.

What is, is for Goans to rethink who we vote into power.
7/n

As a registered voter in Mapusa, I can confirm that there hasn't been any 'development' since the early 2000s. What about your village/town?

If the government can't do their job, maybe we need to find those that will.

(end)

#SaveMollem

An afterthought. We need better accountability when it comes to the government. Ministers shouldn't have a free ride, especially when they're performing below par.

EVERY SINGLE MLA in the Goa BJP government has been abysmal.