Elvidio Miranda
This is a call to all environmentalists, nature lovers and protectors of nature in Goa to nip in the bud all attempts by those who are out to destroy the greenery and eco-system of Goa and to foil the sinister designs of the big corporates who are indulging in the wanton destruction of Goa such as through the coal dust pollution in the port city of Vasco, the badly managed iron ore mining in Sonshi, the concretisation of Goa by the real estate sharks all of whom are doing so for their selfish vested interests and without giving a damn to the environment in Goa as also the unsustainable Mopa airport project and the golf course at Tiracol.
Coal dust pollution in Vasco by the Jindals, Adanis and Vedanta has reached alarming proportions with people in Vasco living in the clear and present danger of particulate matter getting into their system thus leading to various serious especially respiratory ailments. The Goa State Pollution Control Board has to immediately suspend coal handling by Mormugao Port Trust so as to restore the quality of air which is getting exacerbated by the hot and humid heat of the peak of summer, much needed respite is becoming a must before the monsoon. The GSPCB should act very strictly in the light of the present coal dust pollution that is going to be a perpetual hazard to the health of the people of Vasco.
In Sonshi too, the Goa State Pollution Control Board should defer the giving of the Consent to Operate to the 12 mining leases pending thorough implementation of strict measures to prevent air, water and noise pollution, which is throwing out of gear the lives of the villagers of Sonshi.
The construction of the Mopa airport is going to once and for all lead to the destruction of one of the most beautiful plateaus in Goa which is abundant in exotic plants, animals, birds and butterflies, and which the local people are opposing after the surreptitious laying of the foundation stone of the project 40 kilometers away, fearing demonstrations by the local villagers who are being cheated into being paid a pittance for their land which is going to cease becoming theirs for good.
It is our duty to become more pro-active and vigilantes by opposing any project which put at risk the livelihood of the traditional agriculturist, fishermen and related stakeholders, so that the natural environs of Goa is saved for posterity.
Whistleblowers who are in the know of the collusion and connivance of the authorities should come out in the open and reveal the nefarious designs of those seeking to destroy the natural beauty of Goa. It is essential that we wake up from our slumber and stop Goa from becoming a ghost state devoid of the splendor of our rich natural heritage.
