Panaji, Aug 19: Pop singer Remo Fernandes has refused to accept an award announced by his native state Goa, accusing the government of nepotism and bringing about environmental degradation. Fernandes said he was upset with the state government's Regional Plan 2011, which, according to him, would turn the coastal tourist hotspot into a concrete jungle.

"The refusal of the award was a protest. It was a public protest against the fact that the Government of Goa is made up of all the ministers and politicians who are rejected by the people of Goa due to famous Regional Plan just a few months ago... And, same politicians are today in power through backdoors or horse-trading," he said.

Fernandes, who has given hits like "Bombay City", "Pack that smack" and "Politicians don't know how to Rock'n'Roll", some with social messages and satires, also asked the government to donate the cash reward of 50,000 rupees to Goa Bachao Abhiyan, an NGO.

Fernandes, who received the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award in January, said the state award at this stage was irrelevant to his stature.

The award, given by the state government's art and culture department, was due to be presented on Saturday.

ANI>