The Goa elections will be fought on a number of issues - the most notable among them being, illegal mining, land grabbing, and environmental waste that is threatening to spoil the natural beauty of the state.
In the run-up to the polls, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is also the Minister of Mines, is under fire on allegations that he hasn't acted against mining violations. Kamat and other politicians were named in a report which contended that a collusion between politicians, bureaucrats and forest officials had ensured illegal mining was taking place in the state.
Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar was the head of the PAC – Public Accounts Committee, which tabled a report in the Goa Assembly Session accusing not only Mr Kamat, but Goa Speaker Pratapsinh Rane, of colluding in illegal mining.
The report found huge quantities of iron ore were being exported illegally from Goa. It also contended that companies running mines were operating in reserved forest areas, in violation of wildlife laws.
Trucks used to carry iron ore have become the flashpoint of debate over the advantages of mining. Many Goans have found employment as drivers and owners, while others who oppose mining say it is just a ploy by the companies to get local support.
It's not just mining; land grabbing is a major issue in the state. Activists allege the Russian mafia and non-Goan Indian developers have brought up land in connivance with government officials. They say that if not checked, this will turn Goa into a concrete jungle.
There are many who are fighting this. Renowned Goan environmentalist Claude Alvares says his office in Mapusa is filled with past and ongoing court cases in this regard.
Alvares is also deeply concerned about plastic waste that is becoming an environmental hazard. He and other environmentalists believe that if not checked, plastics can clog waterbeds, thus ruining the natural beauty of Goa.
