Development Or Destruction Of Goa?

Goa is the smallest state in India, set free from the Portuguese in 1961. The only state known for the best natural tourist spots in India. Goa is full of lush green forests, fields and antique beauties left behind by the Portuguese. There is a Folklore that mentions that Goa is a paradise created by a Hindu God for relaxation. True to that, Goa has become a holiday spot for the people in India. Thousands of people visit Goa every year in search of relaxation. The state has a very calming scenario to it with beaches and churches and fields.

Goa lately has been under 'Development'. Bridges, flyovers and what not, Goa is constructing it all. This development is taking place by killing the very soul of Goa i.e. the nature. If a person travels from the Cortalim -Verna Stretch, he/she can see how the once lush green fields are ruined by this development. Furthermore, the temperature in these areas is highly increasing. The once cool Goa, has become an unbearable hotspot in the summer. Due to degrading nature, children here are indoors more than outdoors. Lots of people have installed artificial cooling systems, which weren't a need before. The soothing scenario is depleting and so are the tourists. There has never been a day when a person is not stuck in the traffic rush at Cortalim Junction or Panaji. The police forces are incapable of controlling the traffic. Inconvenient roads have made people get stuck for hours in a traffic jam. Since there has been a ruckus in the construction of these bridges, Accidents have increased.

Another factor said to bring development was Mining. Mining is the major employing sector in Goa. The people living in areas like Sanguem and Quepem buy trucks and work under major mining companies like SESA and Chowgule. Mining till date has brought a lot of destruction in Goa. Goa's beauty lies in its nature, but by cutting down the hills and plateaus, all that is done by mining, is destruction. Mining land is not restorable; thus, they are left off by the companies. The Fatal accidents caused by mine trucks are increasing, destroying lives. One is not able to see any developments that can be brought about by Mining, instead is disturbed by the activities practiced there.

Goa maybe developing in a way that is convenient for people, but right now, it is all chaotic. Development, in a way, destroys nature. The places where construction takes place cannot be reforested therefore Goa’s green wouldn’t be the same. Goa is the next Mumbai according to locals and they fear that it will turn as dangerous and chaotic like it. Locals here blame the government for such development that has cost them their fields and land. They feel Goa was better in yester years with less traffic and less traffic and hope that its nature gets back to what it was before.

-Shamin. V. Cardozo