SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Sao Jose de Areal villagers decided to knock the doors of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) due to the alarming pollution levels attributed to carbon factories operating within the village.
At the gram sabha meeting yesterday, members resolved to take seek legal remedies with the pollution issue plaguing the village in their quest for environmental justice.
This bold step highlights their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their community's well-being and the surrounding environment.
Despite raising the issue of carbon pollution with government authorities and subsequent inspections, villagers of Sao Jose de Areal remain disheartened by the lack of action taken to address their concerns. Expressing their frustration during the gram sabha, villagers emphasized the growing magnitude of the pollution problem.
They highlighted the severe impact it has had on the health and well-being of senior citizens and other residents, making it difficult for them to even breathe.
"The absence of effective measures to curb pollution has only intensified frustration, underscoring the urgent need for concrete action to mitigate the harmful effects of carbon factories operating in the village," stressed villagers at the meeting.
Local MLA Cruz Silva has pledged support to the villagers of Sao Jose de Areal in their fight against pollution and their endeavour to seek intervention from the National Green Tribunal.
Silva's assurance comes as a welcome sign for the villagers, offering them additional backing in their quest for environmental justice.
MLAs commitment underscores the importance of collaborative action between elected representatives and grassroots movements in tackling environmental challenges and safeguarding the well-being of local populations.
"I will extend my full support to the villagers in seeking a solution on the issue", he told reporters.
Gathering in large numbers, the villagers of Sao Jose de Areal made it clear that their opposition is not directed against Shivaji, but rather against the illegal activities taking place in their community.
