State govt suspends zone changes in St Andre, MLA ends hunger strike

MLA Borkar Ends Six-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurance

St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, representing the Revolutionary Goans Party, called off his prolonged hunger strike late Thursday night at Azad Maidan in Panaji. The decision came after the state government issued an official order from the Town and Country Planning department suspending all provisional and final land conversions under Section 39A of the TCP Act in his constituency with immediate effect. This move addressed the core demands of the protesters who had been agitating against rampant land conversions that they claimed were altering the character of local villages like Palem-Siridao. Borkar, who had been fasting for six days, broke his fast with prasad from the Sateri temple, offered by activist Norma Alvares. Fellow protester Tushar Gawas also ended his fast alongside him. The MLA consulted with villagers, particularly the women from Siridao Palem who had been at the forefront of the protests, before formally withdrawing the agitation.

Government Suspends Conversions Amid Protests Over Section 39A

The suspension order was handed over by North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav during his visits to the protest site. Earlier in the day, Borkar had rejected an initial letter from Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur, insisting on outright cancellation rather than mere suspension, as he argued that suspension lacked legal permanence and could allow revivals later. The government clarified the order's scope, leading to Borkar's acceptance. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally assured the MLA that criminal cases filed against protesters, especially women from Palem-Siridao, would be closed and not pursued further. This assurance was crucial, as Borkar highlighted the harassment faced by these women, who would otherwise have to appear in court repeatedly and hire lawyers. The protests drew attention to 11 mega projects spanning 84,000 square meters in St Andre, which had received permissions under the controversial Section 39A. Environmentalists Claude and Norma Alvares provided legal support throughout, while Borkar praised the solidarity from Goans worldwide and opposition parties.

"Chief minister Pramod Sawant assured me that the criminal cases filed against the protesters, particularly the women of Palem-Siridao, will be closed and not taken forward. Our demand is that 39A should be scrapped, and he said that while he cannot directly do that, he will allow a discussion on 39A in the assembly."

Broader Debate on Section 39A and Future Assembly Discussions

Section 39A of the TCP Act has faced widespread criticism from both opposition and ruling benches for enabling unchecked land conversions that bypass proper town planning norms. Borkar described the law as a threat that could "destroy the whole of Goa" by changing its face and mocking the planning framework. Goa Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar promised a special discussion on the section, with the Chief Minister committing to an appropriate decision post-debate. Protesters had earlier marched to the residence of TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane demanding its scrapping, facing police barriers at multiple points. Borkar called the agitation "our second fight for freedom," underscoring the villagers' resolve, including a 90-year-old participant and local vendors. The suspension is seen as an acknowledgment of flaws in 39A, though activists maintain that full revocation is essential to prevent future misuse. Borkar expressed gratitude to RGP leaders and supporters, noting the role of figures like Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai in past amendments that opened doors to such conversions.

The government's swift response averted escalation, but the issue of land use in Goa's sensitive coastal and village areas remains a flashpoint. Villagers from St Andre celebrated the development, hoping it sets a precedent. Borkar hailed the women's steadfastness as pivotal to the victory. With assembly discussions lined up, stakeholders await whether 39A faces reform or abolition.

In summary, the state government's suspension of zone changes in St Andre resolved the immediate crisis, ending MLA Borkar's hunger strike and easing tensions for protesters. Promises of dropped cases and assembly debates on Section 39A signal potential shifts in Goa's land policy, balancing development pressures with community concerns.