“Goans have to change their mentality, as they always blame the government for everything. The people should also take responsibility of the environment and the issues regarding it, as the government cannot govern everything minutely,” Arlekar said at a panel discussion at Institute Menezes Braganza.
Arlekar said the environment is degrading because of the people and so they are suffering from their own mistakes. “The people of Goa continue to blame the government regarding unemployment, and other issues of no resources available, for instance water. The people do not want to use other resources they are introduced to, but want everything readymade by the government.”
He questioned Goans’ responsibility towards the environment. He pointed out to the carelessness towards trees and nature in general by the public and the mockery of Vanamohotsav festival.
The panel discussion was organized by Institute Menezes Braganza at the third Luis De Menezes Braganza Lecture Series. The panel comprised environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar and Dr Bhushan Bhave, a lecturer.
Kerkar said that Goa has 59 percent forest cover and 11 rivers conserved at present. However, desertification and events like mining and production of plastic are ruining the environment. “Goa was known for its greenery, which is now being affected which results is affecting the animals on a large scale and also decreasing the resources needed by people.” He said the originality of the villages is vanishing.
The literacy rate that should have brought about a change has brought commercialisation, he said and appreciated the laws implemented by the government that have helped in conserving the environment.
The discussion also noted the resources and products available in Goa which are not being consumed or used by the people.
