Team Herald
PANJIM: Former Union Environment and Forest Minster Jairam Ramesh has extended his support to the people of Goa in their protest against the Centre’s clearance for felling of around 55,000 trees to facilitate three projects in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park.
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Goa is set to lose around 185 hectares of the pristine Western Ghats’ forest cover for three projects – a highway, railway line double-tracking and a new power line. Scientists, academicians, activists, conservationists and concerned citizens from across the State have objected to the decision of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) headed by Minister Prakash Javadekar.
“I fully endorse concerns raised by Goans on clearing of forest land in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park,” Ramesh tweeted. “Goa must conserve its biodiversity, protect agribusiness, promote ecotourism and sustainable waste management to safeguard its future,” he added.
The Congress Rajya Sabha MP has tagged a letter written to Javadekar by concerned citizens demanding the revocation of the decision to clear forest land for railway double tracking, widening of NH4A highway and laying of LILO transmission line.
“The decision to tear down such large areas of forest cover is not only disheartening to us citizens but also gives rise to grave concerns regarding our future as individuals and local business owners contributing to Goa’s economy,” the letter, copy of which is also attached to Minister of State for MoEF&CC Babul Supriyo and members of the National Wildlife Board, states.
