PANJIM: Nearly 10,000 Goans are all set to form a seven-km long human chain on May 20 to pray for the well-being of River Mhadei and to celebrate its existence. Though political leaders across party lines are called upon to participate, the initiative is not to criticise but to recommend ideas and suggestions to the government to protect River Mhadei diversion.
The Earthivist Collective, in association with the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) and the Save Mhadei Save Goa Front is calling on Mhadei’s children to become her Guardians (Rakhondar) by joining a community engagement festival called “Mhadei Amchi Mai”.
The festival is a creative celebration of the intrinsic and critical relation between the river, the land and its people.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, social activist Jack Ajit Sukhija, who is also the grandson of “Father of Opinion Poll” Jack Sequeira, has appealed to people across religion, caste, political affiliation, to join in large numbers to form the human chain.
“We are not here to criticise anyone but to celebrate the existence of the Mhadei river and to see what we can do to protect it. When there is a mass movement, the government is bound to listen to them. So it is important that people gather in large numbers,” he said.
The fate of Goa’s beloved Mhadei river, a lifeline for its people and ecosystems, is facing significant threat in wake of the ongoing attempts to divert water from its basin by neighbouring Karnataka.
Save Goa Save Mhadei convener and historian Prajal Sakhardande said, “Our awareness and agitations are gaining momentum, as the ruling party is under tremendous pressure to see that Mhadei river is not diverted. This Human chain is one such attempt.”
Sakhardande said that the event will also include cultural programmes by some of the local artistes including folk dances, music, etc.
Another front member Adv Hrudaynath Shirodkar said that they have already called upon opposition parties like Congress, Goa Forward and Aam Aadmi Party requesting their MLAs and members to join the chain.
“We will also approach those in the ruling party to be part of the event which is held to celebrate the existence of Mhadei river,” he said.
The organisers have also urged individuals from the creative community – musicians, dancers, creative story tellers and artistes to join the creative celebration by performing along the human chain site.
