Panaji (PTI): Renowned playback singer Hema Sardesai on Sunday demanded special status for Goa to save the state from being sold outright to the land sharks. The Goan origin singer has decided to launch a movement along with the like minded people for special status demand.

"Once Goa gets a special status, all the issues would be settled. We need not launch agitations to save state's land being grabbed by land sharks," Hema said. Goa, having a population of 14 lakh, is facing tryst with the massive land grab especially green zones. The increasing land conversion has been an issue hotly debated in this state on the western coast.

"Acres of land is being sold to the builders. What is being sold are our hills and paddy fields. There is manipulation of land records," Hema said. The Bollywood singer who gave hits like Awara Bhanvre and Badal Pe Paon Hai (Chak de India) was on the forefront to oppose draconian regional plan 2011 which feared to rob Goa of its beauty. The plan was subsequently dropped after massive public agitation.

"Special status is absolutely required for Goa. People should be ready to take on the streets, if situation demands. We need not do huge rallies appealing people to join for the cause," the singer said.