PANJIM: Against the backdrop of the Centre approving the diversion of 140 hectares of forest for railway’s double-tracking project, Opposition MLAs on Wednesday criticised the State government on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai said the Central and State governments had ignored the voice of people to save Mollem.
He said, “Mollem is a protected site as recognised by UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.”
“Cutting 140 hectares and planting 1,000 trees doesn’t solve the problem. Cancelling the linear projects does. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, must reverse its decisions,” the former Deputy Chief Minister said in a tweet on Wednesday.
“The theme of World Wildlife Day 2021 is ‘Forests & Livelihoods: Sustaining People & Planet’. In contrast, GoaGovt is determined to destroy forests #Mollem & livelihoods. Goemkarponn is loving nature, let’s stop the depletion of our forests,” said Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte in his tweet.
He said the ongoing developments regarding the alleged diversion of Mhadei River where a joint inspection is to be held shortly.
“The Goa government should conduct salinity tests in River Mandovi through an independent agency and submit a detailed report to the Centre to counter the diversion issue of Mhadei waters by Karnataka. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s silence and inaction exhibits a biased attitude favouring Karnataka’s violations,” he added.
Social media was abuzz with posts on saving Goa’s wildlife with many reiterating their demand for Mollem forests to be protected.
