PANJIM: Stating that ‘enough is enough’, the Youth of Goa of the Save Mollem campaign have invited political opponents to prove that they stand with the people of Goa to protect the environment and biodiversity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the youth said that the decision of the High Court to strike down the licence granted by the village panchayat of Mollem to Tamnar, for the construction of the transmission line sub-station at Sangod, was welcomed by citizens and allies who have been campaigning against the three infrastructure projects passing through the Bhagwan Mahveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park.
“Following the decision, citizens were surprised by CM Pramod Sawant’s statement that the panchayat will issue a fresh construction license to it after a proper resolution,” the statement added.
“CM Sawant’s statement has prompted Goan youth to rally against these projects with renewed fervour,” they said, and added, “We insist that enough in enough. By going ahead with the three destructive projects in Mollem, and responding to the Tamnar line, the government has shown us that it does not care about the young people of Goa. We invite all opposition to show us that you really stand for Mollem and for Goa.”
Student Mithila Prabhudesai said, “As citizens of the State, we elect our representatives for the betterment of the State. It is sad to see the government taking decisions which are clearly not in the interest of the State.”
Another student Nikita Braganca said, “Time and again, the youth have asked for clarity on the projects that have been granted permission by our government but in vain, as it has not yet been delivered.”
She said that the youth demand that projects that cause harm to our environment be revoked and only then will they be ready and willing to have a discussion. “In 2022, we will remember,” Braganca warned, a clear reference to the State Assembly elections due that year.
