Margao/Panjim: In an appeal to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) constituted by the Supreme Court (SC) to physically inspect the forest area likely to be destroyed by the three linear projects against which they are objecting, Goenkar – Ek Pavl Ekcharachem also pointed out that UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site the Western Ghats will be damaged.
Briefing media persons, Capt Viriato Fernandes pointed out that the CEC, which was constituted by the SC, following a petition filed by Goa Foundation, is on a visit to Goa and neighbouring Karnataka in connection with the three linear projects namely double tracking of South Western Railway (SWR), widening of national highway and the Goa Tanmar Transmission Project Ltd.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
He added that all three projects are passing through thick forest and in fact destroying parts of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park. He also pointed out that the Central Electricity Authority had listed 8 options for the Tanmar project in the year 2015.
“While the present alignment was 6th in the list, it was also suggested that it shouldn’t be opted for, as much damage would be caused to environment and forest land,” he said, while wondering how the same alignment could be selected despite this recommendation.
He added, “The Western Ghats of which the two parks are part of, is a world heritage site recognised by UNESCO, besides also being one of the 10 hottest biodiversity spots in the world. Hence, we have asked the CEC to examine the proposal thoroughly and give a report supporting the environment and ecology.”
He also referred to the fact that around 80 organisations from all over Goa had come together on January 16, at Lohia Maidan in Margao, to call for protecting the land; and added that the three projects that threaten Goa’s environment will end up destroying the State totally.
“Mining has stopped and after that tourism is the only industry operating to some extent; and if our environment is destroyed no tourist will come to Goa as the pristine and beautiful land will turn into a dark coal hub,” he said.
He said 4.3 lakh Goans are dependent on tourism and their livelihood will be snatched away if these projects are permitted and alleged that officials of Goa State Pollution Control Board, Minister of Environment and Forests, and even the Conservator of Forest have connived with the “crony capitalists”.
“These projects are anti-Goa and anti-people taken up only to help crony capitalists and hence have to be rejected lock, stock and barrel,” he said.
Vikas Bhagat claimed that while thousands of trees have already been cut in the forest land, the government is lying by stating that trees have been planted to replace those cut trees.
“What are planted are saplings which will take around 25 years to grow into trees and what happens in these 25 years to the environment,” he asked.
Both of them also said they will try to meet the CEC and have sought an appointment. They admitted that some groups that have aligned with them have already been given an appointment.
