Why do citizens have to routinely seek recourse to the judicial system to address grievances related to the environment whenever a major project is announced? Why do courts of law have to intervene decisively in matters of green concern? And how come a large number of government projects are in the dock? It thus appears that the citizen has realised that a concerted public crusade followed by public interest litigations (PILs) is probably the last chance to conserve the remaining bio-diverse vestiges of our landforms from the clutches of unscrupulous ‘developers’. As such, numerous green groups that have emerged over a period of time amply indicate that all is not well with the ecological situation in Goa.
In the 1990s, the Nylon 6,6 outcry at Keri was one of the earliest protests against an “unwanted guest”; a shooting incident ended up in death of a protagonist; the protest intensified further. Earlier, sand mining from the dune belts of Salcette had to be banned following the legal intervention after complaints by a local NGO.In 1989, the Konkan railway realignment took Goa by storm. Despite apprehensions from the public and supported by scientists, an undesirable rail line was thrust. A mega rally happened at Azad Maidan. Realising public anger, a retired judge was appointed to re-evaluate the alignment; several beneficial changes were effected. In 2000, a strange scheme to privatise Miramar beach was framed. A strong resentment against the project was masterminded by local citizens with scientific support by scientists from NIO and TERI; the one-man commission appointed for the purpose scrapped the proposal. In 2006, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan became an all Goa agitation for safeguarding the landscape of Goa with a massive rally at Azad Maidan; certain heads rolled; the plan was kept in abeyance, and is yet to be notified.
At the moment, a lot of green activism with sustained passion is noticed. Recent environmental issues are being addressed with full force by established NGOs, citizen groups and private individuals. The mining ban episode, the fallout of haphazard illegal ore extraction, is probably the most significant judicial intervention ever pronounced; all mining bandits stand exposed. At Siolim, the GCZMA had permitted repairs of an embankment; instead a jetty on piles was constructed; following complaints from locals, the NGT ordered a permanent stay. The new Mandovi bridgework got delayed as the concerned departments failed to undertake relevant scientific studies. Despite stringent court orders, till today, the bridge does not have a valid marine EIA. The Margao highway bypass is being blocked by none other than (this time) local politicians! The river nationalisation issue has raised doubts and is being discussed on a daily basis. The fishermen associations from the port area have taken the might of the MPT by filing a series of court cases; several orders particularly related to dredging are already passed severely indicting the port authorities. NGOs from Colva and Cavelossim are rattling the coastal marauders from Salcette; certain starred resorts stand accused. Village groups are extremely active as watchdogs in the rural areas of Goa; several examples can be cited wherein heavyweights had to buckle under sustained pressure from village conservationists.
Who are these green champions? Credit goes to a several key NGOs of Goa and some private individuals who have been in the forefront in raising issues of environmental concern. Private citizens from Majorda and Ribandar have repeatedly intervened in CRZ related coastal violations. Many other smaller groups also emerge from time to time. In addition, the fishermen union is actively protecting the interests of fisher community along the sea front. But top on the list is a NGO from Mapusa who have been instrumental in defending the environment of Goa for the last 30 years. The iron ore scam unearthed by them is a major victory; the mining bandits learnt grave lessons. Under such watchful eyes, the environment of Goa does have a chance and can be expected to survive, hopefully.
But is it worth crusading in the name of nature conservation? How successful are battles for eco-restoration? They largely are, as such examples are many. The Konkan railway protest was a success story as viaducts,in place of mud embankments, were ordered at Agassaim, Cortalim, Talpona and Galgibaga; riverine mangroves, lagoons and backwaters thus survived. The Miramar beach privatisation proposal had to be rejected as the concept lacked an ecological approach and scientific validity; a sandy beach is the property of the ocean and cannot be tampered with. The Regional Plan 2006 suffered a setback due to a wrong methodology. The iron ore mining scandal revealed a fraud of Rs 35.000 crore, money that should have benefitted people. Capital dredging and related projects in the Mormugao harbour were stayed by the NGT due to a complete lack of scientific backing. Similarly, umpteen court orders related to coastal violations can be cited; starred resorts have been charged for fake approvals; some 4000-odd private ‘temporary’ structures were declared illegal and ordered to be demolished; shockingly, government departments are being hauled up time and again for grave mismanagement of ecological affairs.
The wave of natural ecosystems-oriented protests during the last few years, mostly aimed at government departments or projects, clearly point to a lack of political will and a refusal to understand the intricacies of nature conservation. The events described above are by no means exhaustive as this discussion can run into volumes. Litigations are increasing vigorously by the day; the judicial system is forced to intervene as never before; certain individuals and government officials have been indicted for perjury. Unfortunately, a majority of green campaigners are senior/elder citizens; the mobile young seem busy elsewhere. Thus, if this on-going green rhythm is not maintained, and if our youngsters do not think green, our ecosystems may never thrive and our landscape will lose the green sheen. Nevertheless, the eco rallies of yesteryears have evolved into a colossal unrelenting green movement in Goa. And as confirmed by a recent HC judgement, Goa is a land worth fighting for.
(Dr Antonio Mascarenhas is a former Scientist, NIO, Goa)
