Alarmed by what they describe as the gov ernment’s relentless push for projects that threaten Goa’s environment and cul tural identity, members of the citizens’ collective Goy ant Kollso Naka (GKN) have announced plans to re vive their agitation across the State. The movement, which had earlier united Goans against the double-track ing of railways and coal transportation, is prepar ing to hit the streets once again, accusing the govern ment of ignoring people’s voices and ‘declaring war on Goa’. Speaking to O Heraldo, social activist Abhijit Prab hudesai, one of the leading figures of Goyant Kollso Naka, said that the govern ment’s recent actions have left activists with no choice but to resume the struggle. “This is high time we re start the movement. The government is moving full swing to destroy Goa by imposing destructive pro jects. It has become clear that they are not listening to people’s objections,” Prabhudesai said. He pointed to the gov ernment’s continued insist ence on the double-tracking of the South Western Rail way line, which he claimed is being done primarily to facilitate the transportation of coal.
“Despite thousands of citizens opposing double track ing and raising environmental concerns, the government is forcing it through. They are also going ahead with river dredging and the proposed new Borim bridge project, all of which pose a serious threat to Goa’s ecology and way of life,” he added. According to Prabhudesai, if people do not step forward now, the government will “bulldoze Goa beyond recogni tion.” He warned that unchecked development, carried out under the guise of infrastructure improvement, could per manently damage Goa’s fragile ecosystem. “Every project is being pushed without genuine public consultation. Environmental clearances are being granted mechanically, and local sentiments are being disregarded. This is not development — it’s destruction,” he said. The Goyant Kollso Naka movement, formed several years ago to protect Goa’s environment and identity, had earlier mobilised thousands of Goans to resist coal transportation projects and the three linear infrastruc ture projects passing through protected forest areas. With the government now reviving many of these ini tiatives, activists believe that public resistance must be reignited with equal force. Prabhudesai revealed that GKN members have already begun meeting citizens, community leaders, and political representatives across various talukas to gather support. “Our meetings are aimed at awakening public conscious ness once again. We are reaching out to like-minded organ isations, social groups and even elected representatives who share our concern for Goa,” he said. He reiterated that the movement is not politically mo tivated but rooted in the desire to preserve Goa’s unique natural and cultural heritage. “This is not about politics; it’s about protecting our land, our rivers, our forests, and our identity. The people of Goa have a right to decide what kind of development they want,” Prabhudesai asserted. As Goyant Kollso Naka prepares to relaunch its agitation, activists believe that public participation will once again be key to safeguarding the State. “The government may have the machinery, but the peo ple have the power. Goa belongs to its people — and we will not allow it to be destroyed,” Prabhudesai concluded.
