Panaji: The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2025 will safeguard the environment and land in the state, said South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes after he introduced it in the Lok Sabha. Fernandes said he is hopeful that the bill will be passed with the support of other MPs.Fernandes said that he discussed the matter with Union minister for state Shripad Naik and others, and they have extended their support to the bill.The bill states that Goa, with its unique history, culture, and delicate ecosystem, faces significant challenges in preserving its distinct identity amidst rapid development and increasing demographic pressures. This bill seeks to provide a constitutional framework for central govt to collaborate with the state in addressing the various concerns raised by its citizens.“There is an urgent need to protect Goa’s limited natural and cultural resources from the impacts of unplanned and unsustainable development that threatens to erode its long-term ecological and social fabric. The enactment of this bill will enable Goa to maintain its unique character while pursuing sustainable development, thereby safeguarding its legacy for future generations,” Fernandes said.With reference to preserving Goan identity, the bill seeks to promote its language, arts, and cultural traditions like Tiatr, Fugdi, Dhalo and Dekni, among others.In terms of protecting historical heritage, the bill focuses on conservation efforts for its unique architectural and historical sites, echoing the resilience of Goa’s past.With regard to safeguarding the environment and land, the bill enables restrictions on land alienation in sensitive areas, promotes sustainable development, and protects traditional livelihoods.To ensure demographic stability, the bill seeks to encourage policies that maintain the sociocultural balance of the state, preserving the harmony that defines its people.The bill seeks to establish a Goa Sustainable Development Council to provide expert guidance and facilitate coordinated action, ensuring a united stand to protect Goa’s future.It also seeks to uphold the rights of Goan communities by ensuring that the people of Goan origin have enduring rights over education, land use, ecological resources, and economic opportunities, protected in perpetuity— a promise to honour their legacy.On protecting ecologically sensitive areas, the bill seeks to ensure that all eco-sensitive zones, no-development zones, forest land (both public and private), marine eco-sensitive areas, orchard land, plateaus, aquifers, low-lying agricultural fields, eco-sensitive khazans, mangroves, and areas under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) are protected and preserved, safeguarding the very essence of Goa’s environment that its people fight to defend.
