Our forests under threat
This is with reference to the article in Herald on June 3 titled, ‘300 ha of forest land lost in Goa to be compensated in Madhya Pradesh’ where one understands that this government has decided to go ahead and axe 300 ha of our forest wealth which are actually the lungs of Goa providing us with oxygen and to compensate for the cutting of the trees they have promised to grow the same number of trees in faraway Madhya Pradesh in the country’s heartland.
What assurance is there that the trees will be nurtured and grown? Madhya Pradesh as we all know suffers from poor rainfall and recurring droughts. Just over three years ago 46 out of 52 districts of MP were declared drought prone. Is this a new tactic to destroy our forest cover in the name of development? Have they thought about the poor animals and birds that will be affected or will they too be shifted to Madhya Pradesh? If this new tactic sets any precedent then can a small-time private forest landowner develop his land by cutting down trees that took ages to grow and plant the same number of trees in another State with an undertaking to the forest department?
In the words of Claude Alvares, “It’s the state of Goa and its ecology and environment that need stable and sound protection if it is to survive into the next generation!”
The way we humans are treating the planet will most probably mean that there will be more pandemics, and some will be far more severe than this one! May those politicians who are trying to mislead us realise that the world can do without us but we cannot do without the planet!
Allwyn N D’Souza, Saligao
World Environment Day raising awareness
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 and is the United Nation’s principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. First held in 1974, it has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issue such as marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.
World Environment Day is a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually. Each year, the programme has provided a theme and forum for businesses, non profit organisations, communities, governments and celebrities to advocate environmental causes. World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human environment, that had resulted from the discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme “only one earth”. Even though WED celebration have been held annually since 1974, in 1987 the idea for rotating the centre of these activities through selecting different host countries began.
For almost five decades, world environment day has been raising awareness, supporting action and driving changes for the environment.
Ajay Jalmi, Ponda
Need to sustain environment
Every year, the globe sees how the environment evolves. Our aspirations for nature are growing by the day, while the government’s development strategies are largely unconcerned with environmental challenges. Environmental pollution is caused by cut plants and forests, mining, air pollution, and poisoning water resources. Wild animals, birds, and other species have lost their natural habitats, and some have yet to be discovered.
The government has taken a number of initiatives to address global climate change, but it has not yet resolved this major issue. On June 5, we commemorate World Environment Day. This year’s theme is Ecosystem Restoration. To preserve the environment and restore the ecosystem, we must take joint action. Encouraging growth of saplings, reduction of carbon footprints through the use of renewable energy resources, and a resolve to safeguard the environment can all contribute to environmental sustainability. Our environmental knowledge and commitment are critical to a brighter future.
Amit Singh Kushwaha, Satna (M.P.)
Political jabs, not needed now
The fracas at a Margao vax centre between BJP and Congress workers must make one ask himself: are you not insulted? Political Parties are firm that voters only need ‘easy’ jobs done like: ‘commencement’ of hot mixing of roads, and now delivering food for Health workers undertaking the vax drive and ‘marketing’ the same! One recalls the meme from an African leader: to applaud a politician because he has built a school, hospital or road using public money is like saluting the ATM machine for giving you your money’.
Concentrate on the jobs being deliberately shelved by the Govt because they are difficult:
1. The Collector has not issued any order to correct ventilation in all offices/closed places as per the CSIR revised building code for the coronavirus.
2. Govt. has appeased the ‘powerful’ lobbyists.
3. Instead of ferrying healthy vaccine seekers, ferry doctors to above critical/sensitive category people’s homes as also cancer patients and their family
4. Ferry village bus commuters who are at high risk or arrange to vax these poor unfortunates.
5. Start oxygen concentrator banks on loan basis.
6. See ways how to decongest crowded Govt. Offices. Most activities can be done online.
7. Demand for the long overdue oxygen audit and compensation for deaths due to oxygen/bed shortages. What is the status of the compressor for the SDH oxygen generator plant? Which IAS Officer is in charge of the same?
8. Organise ‘mosquito’ eradication drives in all constituencies.
9. Then look at yourself in the mirror.
R Fernandes, Margao
