Enough is Enough threatens to march to TCP on July 17

Panaji: The Enough is Enough citizens’ movement, led by Justice Ferdino Rebello, on Tuesday threatened to march to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department on July 17 to seek a response to its representations to the govt.The movement submitted a 10-point charter of demands to the govt, including the proposed Goa Agricultural Land Protection Bill, 2026, and the removal of casinos from the Mandovi river by July this year. Rebello expressed disappointment over what he described as the govt’s unwillingness to protect Goa’s agricultural land and rivers.Members of the movement said they held discussions with officials of the TCP department, including the chief town planner, on issues relating to Sections 17(2), 17A and 39A of the TCP Act.

They alleged that despite attempts to meet chief minister Pramod Sawant, they received no response and no concrete action followed.The activists also criticised TCP minister Vishwajit Rane, alleging that notifications under the TCP Act continue to be issued despite concerns raised by citizens. They also expressed solidarity with residents opposing the proposed IIT campus at Karapur, alleging that the govt ignored local objections.

During the briefing, Rebello referred to a 2002 legal challenge filed by former chief minister Manohar Parrikar against then power minister Mauvin Godinho, arguing that the case established that decisions taken without complying with the Government of Goa’s Business Rules are illegal. He claimed the high court accepted this principle and that the Supreme Court upheld the ruling.Citing the judgement, the movement argued that powers under Sections 17(2) and 39A of the TCP Act are vested in the “government” and cannot be exercised solely by the minister in charge of the department.

It contended that under the Government of Goa’s Allocation of Business Rules and Business Rules, such decisions require consideration by the council of ministers and consultation with other departments before any notification is issued.The movement said it would continue pursuing the matter through legal action and public mobilisation under its newly constituted core committee.Rebello also expressed concern over the govt’s continued silence on the casino issue, alleging a nexus between the govt and casino operators that is destroying Goa’s heritage.He alleged that Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act, which came into force in Feb 2020, requires offshore casinos to operate only in Goa’s territorial waters. However, casino vessels continue to remain permanently stationed in the Mandovi river. He questioned why rules under the amended Act have not been notified and alleged that the gaming commissioner has failed to exercise powers under the legislation to inspect casinos and act against violations.He also questioned the extension of permissions granted to casino vessels, alleging that govt decisions have consistently favoured casino operators instead of enforcing the law.Enough is Enough has constituted a core committee to decide its future course of action. Under the supervision of retired IPS officer Bosco George, the movement will coordinate with taluka-level committees and oversee implementation of programmes related to its charter of demands across the state.