Issue No. 1
The GGF has in the last about one and a half years since the formation taken up causes dear to the people of Goa. In this short period we have found solutions to several issues of public concern.
In April, 2008 several investors who had been duped by M/s. Sal Finance an investment company which after collecting crores of rupees from investor’s closed shop and disappeared. Under the guidance of GGF affected investors confronted the officials of the company who were surreptitiously collecting money from loan defaulters by resorting to action under Sec. 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and appropriation the money without paying the investors.
As an immediate outcome the Sal Finance paid some amount of money to the aggrieved investors who have acknowledged our role in the recovery.
Issue No. 2
The Village of Curtorim approached GGF with a plaint of illegal hill cutting and land development in orchard land in land surveyed under No. 413/1 of Curtorim Village. The GGF took up the matter with the Chief Town Planner, the Deputy Collector and issued a legal notice. The work of hill cutting was immediately ordered to be stopped. The hill is safe.
Issue No. 3
The GGF took up the issue of hap hazard planning with the SGPDA and objected to the manner in which ODP (Outline Development Plan) was being prepared.
The SGPDA then called a delegation of the GGF and the Member Secretary Anthony Diniz patiently heard the GGF suggestions made by the ODP. The SGPDA has assured the GGF that suggestions made by the GGF will be considered while finalizing the ODP. The GGF shall continue to monitor the ODP and shall react appropriately if public interest is sacrificed to serve builders interest.
Issue No. 4
The GGF also received complaints from residents of Nuvem, regarding the hill cutting and encroachment of Comunidade land by one Cancio Mascarenhas. The Village Panchayat immediately issued “stop notice” on 10.4.08. Thereafter the illegal work was stopped. The GGF is constantly keeping track to see that the work is not resumed. The Nuvem hill is saved.
Issue No. 5
The GGF took up the issue of artificial shortage being created by Petrol Pumps by putting up “No Petrol” “No Diesel” boards with ulterior motives. The Minster of Civil Supplies issued relevant directions and such artificial shortages have since stopped.
Issue No. 6
The GGF took up the issue of overcrowding in classes at the Higher Secondary and College level causing hardships to students by its letter dated 12.4.08 addressed to the Director of Education, Panaji. By its letter dated 16.7.08, the Deputy Director of Education has assured that steps will be taken to reduce congestion in classrooms. The GGF has been following the plight of students in classrooms for the current academic year and will take appropriate steps if the problem persists.
Issue No. 7
The GGF was first to detect faults in the rail over bridge at Margao and necessity to reinforce the same. The problem has occurred due to lack of maintenance. The PWD has now taken steps to carry our requisite repairs on the bridge. (display news reports)
Issue No. 8
The GGF has taken up three separate causes relating to conversion of paddy fields for putting up open air dance floors with construction of several structures namely:
- Dolphin Dance Floor;
- Soco’s Creative Farm;
- Little hearts;
In each of these cases there are also complaints of noise pollution by affected local residents. The local authorities are not particularly active in taken action on the complaints. The GGF will shortly be taking recourse to legal proceedings to undo the damage.
Issue No. 9
The GGF has taken up the issue of pollution caused by Marmagoa Steel around their factory at Curtorim. Upon the complaint the Goa State Pollution Control Board has conducted raids and tests in the affected area. However, the GGF still feels that the officials of the Govt. are acting in collusion with Marmagoa Steel and the pollution is not yet under control. The GGF intends to take legal steps in the manner.
Issue No. 10
The GGF has also taken up the issue of illegal upward extension of Hotel Poonam at Pimpalkatta, Margao, and multi storeyed building opposite KTC at Margao, in violation of regulations to floor area ratio and coverage. The GGF will pursue these matters to their ultimate conclusion.
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