Team Herald
PANJIM: Citizens and activists under the banner of Save Goa Environment gathered in large numbers at Azan Maidan, Panjim, on Thursday and staged a candlelight protest against blatant land destruction in the State.
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They accused the Goa government of being anti-people and gave a clarion call to the people to overthrow the current dispensation from power.
Protesters condemned the conversion of eco-sensitive land for the benefit of Delhi-based builders and developers and urged Goans to join the mass movement to protect the state’s natural resources. They also lashed out at the high-handed behaviour of the government.
Xencor Polji criticised the government, stating, “This is dadagiri and the Chief Minister is working for the casino and builder lobby, and Pramod Sawant is a total failure.”
Peter D’Souza from Sancoale alleged, “Builders are securing police protection under the pretext of soil testing, but borewells are being sunk without permissions. We are being pushed out of our own villages.”
Anthony D’Silva issued a stark warning: “We have been protesting for years, but now we warn the government that there will be another Sri Lanka here.”
Sanjay Naik from Bhoma called for unity among the masses. “To restore peace and preserve Goa, we must take to the streets. We must teach indifferent MLAs a lesson in 2027,” he thundered.
Dayanand Mandrekar highlighted Mandrem’s plight, saying, “Mandrem is being destroyed as fast as the rest of Goa. If thousands gather, the government will be forced to roll back harmful projects.”
Sabina Martins of Goa Bachao Abhiyan criticised government actions, stating, “Laws protect sand dunes, hill slopes, and farmland, but the government is violating them. We must demand criminal action.”
Zarina D’Cunha accused elected leaders of corruption. “They have become brokers for profit. The laws they pass reflect their greed to destroy Goa,” she charged.
Dipesh Naik from Porvorim lamented the destruction of sacred trees. “600 trees were cut under the guise of pruning. The ones translocated have not survived. I urge Hindu saints and sages to protect Goa’s sacred spots.”
Avertino Miranda called for mass protests, urging Goans to rise against those harming the State.
