Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Goans unite to protect hills, lakes, and identity
A big group of people in Goa came together in Panaji to say they've had enough of the damage being done to their beautiful state.
They made a list of demands, called a 'People's Charter', to protect Goa's hills, lakes, rivers, and villages.
They want the government to follow the rules that were made to protect these special places.
They also want to stop the sale of land to people who don't live in Goa or aren't farmers.
They're worried about the changes happening in their towns and villages and want to make sure Goa stays the way they love it.
They're not doing this for any political party, but just to protect their home.
A 'People's Charter' was adopted in Panaji to prevent ecological and environmental degradation in Goa.
The charter demands the repeal of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act and the prevention of land sale to non-agriculturists and non-residents.
It calls for a stop to all development in eco-sensitive areas, including hills, lakes, rivers, and the Coastal Regulation Zone.
The charter also demands the removal of casinos on the Mandovi river and the cancellation of illegal structures in the Coastal Regulation Zone.
The movement is led by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello and environmental lawyer Norma Alvares, and is not affiliated with any political party.
- Who
- NGO members and individuals from across Goa, led by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello and environmental lawyer Norma Alvares
- What
- Adoption of a 'People's Charter' to prevent ecological and environmental degradation and protect Goa's culture and ethos
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Panaji, Goa
- Why
- To protect Goa's hills, lakes, rivers, villages, and culture from ecological and environmental degradation
- Location
- Panaji, Goa
- Date
- Tuesday
- Key Figures
- Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, Environmental lawyer Norma Alvares
- Key Document
- People's Charter
- Key Demands
- Repeal of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, Prevention of land sale to non-agriculturists and non-residents, Stopping development in eco-sensitive areas, Removal of casinos on the Mandovi river, Cancellation of illegal structures in the Coastal Regulation Zone
- Eco-Sensitive Zones
- 82% of Goa