Follow example of Union MoS Naik, withdraw Goa land use applications: AAP to politicians, VIPs

According to the investigation, the TCP department approved change in land use for at least 20 lakh sqm of land over the past 18 months, converting “green zones” into “settlements” – allowing construction activity for both residential and commercial purposes, pushing up the land’s value manifold.

Shripad Naik, MoS for Power and New and Renewable Energy, had said Friday he is “ready to withdraw” his application if “any kind of illegalities are found.” Or, if the provision under section 17 (2) of the TCP Act “is found illegal or if any discrepancy is found in the procedure”.

AAP released a list of 10 alleged beneficiaries (people and firms), of which six names were mentioned by The Indian Express – a firm that has TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane and his spouse as directors, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, BJP MLA Pravin Arlekar and former Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado of the Congress.

AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said he welcomed Naik’s statement and called on “VIPs” on the list, “including ministers, MLAs and their associates” to follow his lead and “give up their approvals for land conversion”.

Stating that “it was a matter of concern that legislators are involved in land zone changes”, Viegas, said, “Follow his (Naik’s) footsteps. I am only expressing my open request to all to withdraw their applications filed under section 17 (2) and section 39 (A) of the TCP Act and Goans at large will bless you.”

Viegas said the total land proposed for conversion to settlement by those among the beneficiaries amounted to over 1.3 lakh sq m. “These are not small numbers. If the BJP government continues to allow this, Goa’s future is at stake,” he said.

AAP state vice-president Ramrao Wagh said the rampant conversion of land in Goa over the past four-five years is “nothing short of a sell-out”.

Giriraj Pai Vernekar, state spokesperson, BJP Goa, said, “AAP Goa should refrain from giving sermons to BJP — a party trusted by the people… Regarding land conversions, the CM has clearly stated any violations will be dealt with strictly. If AAP has any evidence of wrongdoing, they should bring it forward, instead of resorting to baseless allegations.”