THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Mary Jayne Dias
Most of the political leaders, Ministers, MLAs were happy to unfurl the flag of India on the Republic day. They take pride in flying tricolour and delivering speeches. However, we need to know if they have zeal and zest to follow the Constitution of India. The Constitution has enshrined with basic fundamental duties to every citizen of this country.
In particular, Article 51 A (g) of our Constitution directs it's citizens to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for the living creatures. However, we the people are witnessing that the government itself is destroying our natural habitat. Today, Goa is fighting for Mhadei as Goan lives are dependent on this river.
Mhadei is our mother and our government didn't do enough to protect our mother. Fighting legal battle in the Supreme Court appears to be just an eye wash and taking Goans for a nice merry go around.
Our environmental activists have raised several issues and brought it in public domain how Goans and living creatures will be affected if Mhadei river water is diverted. There are reports that suggest that Mandovi river will dry up and we never be able to watch a high tide. Eventually, sea water will enter into the river which may have several consequences on aqua marine life and also on the health issues of the people.
There are governments which are out to destroy nature and it's natural resources, the businessmen exploit natural resources, the people are playing with the nature. One day nature will pay us back. There is a famous saying what goes around comes around. Tomorrow whatever we suffer, we the people will be responsible and facing the consequences. The people who are elected have gone length and breadth to destroying rivers, lakes, forests to help their business friends and politicians, for the sake of money and power.
Our famous Mayem Lake was destroyed due to mining activities in and around the lake. The lake was made dusty and people could only breathe dust. Today the government wants to rejuvenate the lake by using tax payers money. First they destroy and then they restore in the name of tourism. We have smart politicians who know to turn and twist things as per their convenience.
Another problem that Goa is encountering is the garbage issue. First the Government will allow the people to make dirty and then they will use public money to clean it. Simple and easiest way to do corruption which people fail to understand.
Every year at climate change summit conference of parties meet to take the decisions to achieve the goals of combating climate change. Likewise even Goa has to involve parties like environmentalists, scientists and other professionals to decide the sustainable development with the sole objective to protect Goa for our future generations
We need a government that has a will and intention to do something special for Goa. They say today that Goa is gone, but if we love our Goa we need to rise up and make things possible to safeguard our beautiful motherland.
May God Bless us and our Motherland Goa!
