t the beginning it was not evident that this endeavour would act as a catalyst. As and when the “movement” grew and the voices were heard against POLLUTION, the people of Goa got united.
The public hearing for all three expansion projects by MPT turned out to be a fertile ground of camaraderie for various GREENS, who got connected and collectively raised their pitch against coal pollution in Vasco and any such disastrous projects which the government might intend to impose upon Goa.
Interestingly, the subject matter unified them even as they were not known to each other. They stood by each other—shoulder to shoulder — to save the motherland. And went home satisfied that, at least for now, that their purpose was fulfilled.
It was clearly evident that due to this public hearing in Vasco, the activists and concerned citizens not only came under one umbrella but unlike in the past, they have now formed social media groups (facebook and WhatsApp) to be linked and connected to each other for future endeavours. What is more surprising is that though these activists were not in touch before the public hearing, there was no overlapping of information while they were expressing their views. Also the in-depth study made by each speakers surprised all present during the public hearing for all eight days. Each one had different information to point out the flaws and misappropriation done in the report. Singularly though, little did they realize that they ripped apart the concerned authorities.
Speaking to Herald, many of these activists who actually grilled MPT and other project proponents of MPT expansion projects claimed that they were amazed to see others sharing their views like they were performing a post-mortem of the MPT and the draft EIA report for all three projects.
“I was surprised by the spontaneous reaction from Goans in general and from Vascokars in particular who participated in the public hearing. We never met prior to the public hearings at Vasco. In fact, many of us met for the first time and have become good fiends,” said Vasco-based Environmental activists Advocate Savio J F Correia, who is also an engineer by profession and one of the key speakers who grilled MPT at length for hours for more than three occasion in last eight days.
He further said that “It was originally only few people who were taking this battle against coal pollution forward, but we were surprised to see so many people to come out and vent their ire. Also, some came on all days but never stood on the podium to speak, but they were there only to be part of whole exercise and to support us. I was surprised and in fact it was a learning experience for me listening to people who lived elsewhere (not in Vasco) giving more information about Vasco. It was embarrassing for Vascokars but at the same time we were elated to know that people of other areas were keenly studying our problems and took it as seriously as their own issues. People came so well prepared. They must have devoted plenty of time to study the issues and make a case out of it,” Correia said.
Though the organizers did not even offer snacks|(except for water) and public was treated very shabbily by project proponent, but that did not discourage citizens from attending public hearings as people started bringing food and snack, soft drinks for their FRATERNITY and thus converted the public hearing venue into a family gathering. “It was a very festive and friendly atmosphere. It was actually like a classroom where each one was supporting the other. Now, we are like a human database and that would be very useful for future,” Correia informed.
Initially for two days, there were some tussle and clash between the presiding officers, including Johnson Fernandes/Collector Swapnil Naik and citizens, however, after few days and till the end of public hearing, the relation between presiding officer and citizens had improved. “Though there were some quarrels initially but everyone knew their capacities within which one had to function. There was mutual respect for the chair and in course of time, even presiding officers started evolving in the whole discussion. At one of time, even the presiding officers confirmed that he too learned many things from the people about disaster management. Something like that to happen is Vasco was unprecedented,” Correia said.
Another activists Olencio Simoes who represented the fishermen community and grilled MPT authorities and remained present for most of the time despite the scorching heat, said that “One thing that was noticed and impressed all that everyone took Interest and everyone came well prepared. It is an example for us and also for government to realize that if people had taken meetings for eight days, they should seriously consider people’s objection and should do justice. Also the hidden talent of people got a platform with this public hearing. The bonhomie melted the ice soon and the cause became more important for us to come together. This showed what real Goenkarpon means and how Goans are always very hospitable”.
Abhijeet Prabhudesi from Curchorem who spoke for about eight hours and prepared himself for over five days for the public hearing, said “I think this is very spontaneous struggle that has come up naturally because coal is something nobody wants in Goa. It is very good to see people unitedly fighting a cause. During the last eight days, the most beautiful part was that we could form a community and the feeling on “oneness” because of a common cause as people not only got together but shared food, snacks besides presenting their speech,” he said.
RTI Activist Avinash Tawares who compelled MPT officials to accept their flaws in the EIA report said, “It is a matter of pride that ordinary Goans have so much of knowledge in various subjects especially on environmental issues. We had not planned anything, we just came to express our views and knowledge and the outcome was very bright. Though such similar unity was also seen in the past, but this time, it was unique because we were able to discuss the issues in depth which was never done before. We learned from each other, we collated information/knowledge and presented our views”
Former MMC Chairperson Madeline Pereira, concerned citizens, including Rupesh Shinkre, Edwin Mascarenhas, Jayesh Shetgaonkar, civil engineer Bharat Kamat, fishermen leader Custodio D’ Souza, north Goa-based accountant Dinesh Dias, Chicalim based activist Cyril Fernandes, Kennedy Alfanso, Dr Jorson Fernandes from Cuncolim, Advocate T T Shreedharan, environmental activist Terence Jorge, Siddarth Karapurpar, Social Activist from Colva Judith Almeida and marine biologists Pooja Mitra are few names that not only quizzed the MPT for all three projects but pointed out flaws in their EIA report. All these besides other many people including one Shrayragi Israni who never spoke but remained present for almost all eight days to support others are now a part of the new activist group which is well-connected and intact.
