Protect Goa’s identity: GBA
HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, FEB 7 
Giving a clarion call to protect the identity of Goa, Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has decided to form a united front to address common issues affecting people today.
This decision was taken at a recently convened meeting of village groups — Ganv Ghor Rakhan Manch, Chicalim Village Action Committee, Save Our Slopes,  Zagrut Raikaranso Manch, Carmona Citizens Forum, Keri Nagrik Kriti Samiti, South Goa Collective Peoples’ Voice, and villages representatives of Cansaulim, Chinchinim, Raia, Loutolim, Benaulim, Sancoale, Colva and Chimbel.
In a press release issued here by GBA Secretary Reboni Saha, the speakers highlighted the projects rushed before finalization of the Regional Plan 2021 in contravention of the land use plans and desired FAR, and degeneration of Gram Sabhas where neither process nor system are followed despite resolutions as defined by the Panchayati Raj Act.
The meet also discussed the alleged fraud perpetrated by elected bodies by replacing village plans duly submitted by the Regional Plan Village Committees and ratified at gram sabhas. 
Speakers also felt the urgent need to complete the Regional Plan 2021 so as to protect the eco zones, the lifeline of Goa and demanded that the Government expedite processes in accordance with the Panchayati Raj Act.
The meet also resolved not to allow the identity of Goa to be swamped by non-inclusive large scale projects.
The groups will meet in Panjim shortly to plan the future course of action.
The speakers who spoke at the meet included Sabina Martins, Anand Madgavkar, Arvind Bhatikar, Reboni Saha, Prajal Sakhardande, Geraldine Fernandes, Orlando Da Silva, Peter Gama, Vera Varghese, Croydon Medeira, Rui Araujo, Sheela Gracias, Ashley Fernandes, Swati Kerkar, Xavier Fernandes, Agnelo Furtado, Romaldo Carvalho, and Fr Ermito.