Delhi's Treason Against The Konkan

The nuclear disaster in Japan has brought into sharp focus the fact that the nuclear power plant slated to come up on the Konkan Coast, in Jaitapur, just north of Goa, is fraught with grave risks. No wonder both the prime minister as well as his environment minister are making noises about "additional safeguards." This is pure bull, of course. In truth, Nude Elly is guilty of treason against the people of the Konkan.

The word "treason" is defined as "breach of faith or disloyalty." So, there can be treason by the people against their sovereign. Or, as in the present case, it can be the other way around - treason by the sovereign against the people. Let us begin with the facts of the case.

The nuclear power plant slated to come up in the Konkan is in an ecologically sensitive area. The plant was hurriedly cleared ahead of the visit of French president Sarkozy - because the principal supplier is the French firm Areva. The environmental clearance was also hurriedly given.

And there is more: Parliament has passed a Civil Liability Bill pertaining to nuclear accidents that limits the damages nuclear suppliers have to pay in case of accidents. Thus, the lives of the people are being sold cheap - to foreigners. If anything, this is High Treason.

As far as the local people are concerned, they are all up in arms against the project - they are opposed to the forcible seizure of their lands, and they are opposed to the project also because of the grave threat of a nuclear accident in the future. As far as the latter is concerned, their fears seem totally justified today.

Jaitapur is in the Ratnagiri area, famous for its Alfonso mangoes - the world's best mango. If there is an accident, there won't be any Alfonsoes for 100 years. Tourism in Goa will also be affected.

As far as the central ministry of environment is concerned, its principal activities in the Konkan are:

1. The Forest Department, that owns all unowned land, and

2. The Coastal Zone Regulation Act, by which central bureaucrats virtually own and control all beachside property.

In view of the High Treason committed by the Central State's environment ministry against the people, it is my view that both the Forest Department as well as the CRZ personnel should be thrown out of the area.

All unowned land should be opened up for "homesteading" - so that the region urbanises, and develops. There are no cities here between Mumbai and Goa (550 kms), nor any cities between Goa and Mangalore (350 kms). This, while there are three cities in the 150 km stretch comprising Goa.

Thus, there is immense potential for many more cities, towns and beach resorts. This includes many free trading port cities. This is surely preferable - to have human habitation and real estate development instead of low-grade iron ore mining.

To achieve this urban and tourism potential, the Konkan region should also practice unilateral free trade - and send the Customs Department back to Nude Elly, where they get their orders from.

Let us not forget that the central State's highway project completely bypasses the Konkan Coast. Today, because the existing "notional highway" is is such bad shape, loaded trucks are carried up and down the coast on the Konkan Railway! This itself is proof that a "truckway" dedicated to freight-hauling trucks can easily come up in the private sector - on "free land." Further, a regular highway for passenger cars and buses - for the tourists - can also be built for profit by entrepreneurs. Thus, this region does not need anything from the Central State and its "planners."

I am also of the firm opinion that the Central Legislation prohibiting narcotics should be annulled in this region. Then, tourism will boom because tourists will be made blissfully happy - "cannabliss," as they say. Ganja farmers will also prosper, with a new, legitimate cash crop.


Recommended readings:

1. My previous post on the need for fully empowered mayors running all cities and towns.

2. Another post addressed to the bourgeoisie of urban India, recommending New Public Management for the provision of civic services, and also suggesting that we must seriously re-consider paying taxes to the Central State.