South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes calls for protection of state’s identity

Panaji: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes (Retd) made a fresh pitch for special status for Goa by introducing a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament, seeking safeguards for Goa’s land, environment, culture, and rights.Fernandes said that the Special Status Bill sought to provide constitutional protection for Goa through the creation of a Goa Sustainable Development Council, headed by the chief minister.“Special Status will enable stricter regulation of development in eco-sensitive areas and stronger protection of rivers, forests, beaches, lakes, hills, khazan lands, paddy fields, and traditional agricultural land, since environmental damage in Goa is irreversible,” said Fernandes.He said that the Goa Sustainable Development Council will guide development decisions to ensure protection of Goa’s land, environment, culture, and traditional communities, while promoting sustainable and balanced growth.