I write to you today as a concerned son of Goa and also as someone you call a friend, to highlight the urgent need for corrective action to stop the destruction of Goa’s unique environmental heritage. Goa, known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and simple way of life, is facing a looming crisis. The unchecked and rapid pace of development, driven by real estate lobbies, political interests, and other external pressures, is threatening to erode the very essence of what makes Goa so special.
Goa stands at a critical juncture. The beauty and environmental prowess that make it a cherished land are under threat. The rapid and unchecked pace of development is driving Goa towards a future that resembles Macau—over-commercialized, heavily urbanized, and losing its soul in the process. We, the people of Goa, are raising our voices to say this is not the future we want.
The people of Goa are simple and hardworking. We cherish the land we live on, and we have always believed in the idea of sustainable development. We understand that progress is necessary, but it must be balanced with the preservation of our environment and culture. The current trajectory, however, seems to be focused on transforming Goa into another Macau or Shanghai—cities marked by excessive urbanisation and unsustainable exploitation of land and resources.
We do not wish for our state to become a playground for the rich, where the local communities are sidelined and the environment is degraded to feed the greed of a few. The pressures from Delhi and other parts of India to exploit Goa’s resources are palpable, and they are increasingly being felt by the people. Large-scale projects, illegal land grabs, and environmental destruction are becoming more common, leaving Goans to wonder if their homeland is being sold off to the highest bidder.
Today, Goa is being sold to the interests of political, real estate, and corporate lobbies, many of which have roots outside our state. Land is being acquired, forests are being cleared, and natural resources are being plundered in the name of progress. This path is unsustainable and is breeding deep resentment among the people of Goa. The people are watching, and the sense of betrayal is palpable.
Our land is not for the satisfaction of greed. We are not against development, but we demand development that is inclusive and respectful of the environment. What we need is leadership that listens to the voices of Goans, that understands the value of preserving our natural heritage, and that steers us toward a future where Goa thrives as a beacon of sustainable living. Sadly, that is missing.
Goa does want development, but not at the cost of its soul. We want growth that respects our land, our people, and our heritage. Sustainable development must be the guiding principle, not unbridled commercialism. The voices of Goans who have been raising their concerns seem to fall on deaf ears, and this is leading to a dangerous build-up of resentment among the people. There is a simmering anger, and if corrective measures are not taken soon, Goa is headed for a bumpy ride in the months ahead.
I appeal to you, Prime Minister Modi, to intervene and put a stop to the rampant environmental destruction happening under the guise of development in Goa. We trust that your government, which has always advocated for inclusive growth and environmental protection, will take the necessary steps to safeguard Goa’s future. The people of Goa are not against progress, but we want development that serves the people, not corporate interests or political elites.
Please listen to the voices of Goa before it is too late. The land that has always stood for peace, culture, and natural beauty is at risk of becoming unrecognizable. We urge you to take decisive action to ensure that Goa’s future is one of balance, sustainability, and respect for its unique character. Save Goa from becoming a playground for the rich and powerful, from turning into a Macau. Let it remain the Goa that India and the world have always admired—a land of beauty, culture, and harmony with nature.
