In the recent weeks, Goa has been on a boil as people are trying to defy the government over the controversial developmental projects. It does not speak well of the ruling Government of Goa that is trying to hoodwink the people of Goa by saying that the double tracking from Hospet to Vasco is not for coal transportation. There is sufficient documented evidence that shows that the double tracking is primarily meant for coal transportation. While seeking approval from the Central Government under Section 2 of the Forest(Conservation) Act,1980 for diversion of fresh forest area, the cost benefit analysis report of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited makes reference only to the transportation of iron ore and coal. The government is reluctant to come out in the open explaining the other benefits of the double-tracking.
The developmental paradigm which the current government is trying to impose on the people of Goa also explains why the stakes were so high for the BJP to capture power though having won only 13 seats in the last state election. The protests against the double tracking and two other linear projects is only the tip of the iceberg as the autocratic government tries to tighten its grip over Goa. Goans need to be vigilant and on the guard to understand this hidden agenda of the BJP government.
The white paper released by the Environment and Power Minister on Goa’s electricity power consumption conveniently states only the future energy requirements of Goa, but it fails to evaluate its commitment in promoting renewable energy. The Solar Policy 2017 states that Goa is richly endowed with moderate climate and bright sunshine for almost 8-9 and therefore needs to harness solar energy. The policy further states that the state needs to make a shift from overdependence on thermal energy to becoming self-reliant in power generation by promoting clean sources of power.
The recent remarks by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and the Minister for Environment and Power, Nilesh Cabral, only shows that what matters most to them is not the people of Goa, but the dictates of its central cadre in Delhi. If the elected representatives and the ruling government truly represent the will of the people, they would heed to the voices of every Goan who are willing to risk their lives to protect Goa for future posterity protesting against the three liner projects. The protest against the projects calls to question the developmental paradigm envisaged by the government without taking into consideration the people of Goa. Goa has the highest rate of literacy; and the people are very vigilant and want to be engaged in deciding their future in Goa.
The voice of dissent is not the voice of “Londonkars”, as the Chief Minister sadly claims, but it is the voice that is challenging his repressive governance and anti-people development agenda. It is the voice that is trying to haunt the deaf ears of the ruling government. As the government is beginning to feel the pressure, it is only the people’s movement and their resistance that can save Goa.
