The state has been shaken by agitation against projects that have been projected as development-oriented by the state government. What has also been very striking has been the participation of the youth in large numbers in the agitation against the double-tracking and the Mollem project. This is possibly the first time the youth have come out in such large numbers to protest against the actions of the government. What prompted this move?
Father Bolmax Pereira who interacts closely with the youth and has been involved in encouraging them to get involved said the youth had decided to participate now because it was a matter of their future and importantly their identity. He said “They would lose it all and that was the point of change when they realized it could happen. They felt they would have to come out now. They are really focused. The youth are focused on exerting pressure and have managed to connect with Goans living in the UAE, USA, UK, Australia, and Canada to name a few countries. We want to build international pressure. The statement by the Canadian PM with regards to the agitation by the farmers in Punjab was due to pressure exerted by Punjabis living in that country. Something similar is being attempted by the youth of Goa.”
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The youth he said was not scared though their parents he said expressed their fears. Now, he said with the government instigating them by pushing these projects at a time when the virus was causing illness, the parents have also realized the youth have to go out and fight for the future. He said “The youth are saying take us to jail and we are not willing to back down. A member of a flash mob was if the dance would stop the work and he replied that if the government would not listen then they would make the government dance on the streets.” The youth he said were not concerned who was running the state and were very concerned about ensuring their future and maintaining their identity. Kill us or shoot us before we lose our identity.”
Eric D’Souza who is involved in the agitation said “We as youth and as responsible citizens of India should work towards saving our environment and not destroying it.
In Goa people of all ages have come out on roads roaring in one voice to save our Mollem, say no to all the 3 linear projects of which the ultimate goal is coal transportation. The BJP Government has failed to listen to people’s voices and concerns. I as a youth will fight to save my Goa from destruction. If Goa really requires 400kv lines then why can’t we just upgrade the poles or the grids which are already there instead of building new ones and destroying our forests which is home to many animals and birds?”
Conchita Monteiro from Loutulim said participating in awareness campaigns and seeing the direction that was being taken resulted in her joining the protests. She said “I am willing to do whatever it takes to stop this mass destruction. Scrap these 3 projects, involve people in decision making and plan for sustainable development. Provide solar power to consumers willing to buy solar panels, look at wind power, tidal power for electricity can be considered by the government as an alternative to coal”.
Shawn Godinho from Majorda said people like Captain Viriato Fernandes left their jobs to save Goa and he as a young Goan would have to do his bit to fight for Goa. He said “We love and care for our forest and wildlife which is a blessing in disguise. Theses project will destroy our state. If the government doesn’t listen to us we will have more agitation against the government. We want the government to leave our protected area alone and stop all the projects. There are many scientists and environmentalists engineers etc in goa. The government should sit across with them and see what the pros are and cons of these projects and what are the alternatives possible”.
Rex Fernandes from Panjim said he like other young Goans were motivated because they wanted to live a humane life. He said “Their soul is in touch with nature and reality. The conscience and mindset are not corrupted by sheer propaganda. They see what is real. They feel, understand, and speak. The government must listen to the genuine young souls of the state. They must scrap the existing projects”. Asked what alternative he would offer, he said it would be important to popularize solar energy and reduce the cost of the solar panels. This he said was eco-friendly and was sustainable.
Nikita from Mollem said she like many of her age cared for nature especially after understanding the severity of the situation and the level of destruction the projects would cause. She said “We realised it is our fight. We are the future. We want our Goa to be clean and green and we want our forests to be protected and saved. We would like to see the government revoke the projects. After which, we are ready to discuss them and find alternatives which include sustainable development which is non-destructive in nature.” She said she would like to see a future full of forests for Goans and would not allow destructive projects that threaten these irreplaceable forests of Goa’s largest protected area. She said “We will go on for as long as it takes to revoke these clearances. We want to government to stop tokenism and revoke these clearances. We are even willing to show the government the legal and bureaucratic procedures and know-how of how to initiate this process”.
The youth of Goa are articulate and clear-headed in their opposition to the projects. The fate of these projects will mark their lives and the future of this state.
