MARGAO: The Goa Foundation (GF) on Monday termed the three linear infrastructure projects as destructive as they fear it will threaten the flora and fauna of the Mollem National Park and the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
GF Director Claude Alvares and Adv Norma Alvares shared their views at an interactive social media conversation with the Amche Mollem (AM) group and citizens.
During the session, they spoke about the Amche Mollem campaigns, the status of the High Court (HC) and Supreme Court (SC) cases filed against these projects and what ordinary people can do.
During this social media interaction that was viewed by the public, one of the participants asked GF about their opinion regarding the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) plans to conduct a new environmental survey for the railway double-tracking project.
Responding to the question, Cluade said that the WII is planning to do another study to justify the construction of the second railway track.
“The WII was set up to protect the interests of India’s wildlife, but that isn’t happening. This is a gross disservice to wildlife conservation. If readers can jump in and bring along everyone they know, together we can run a huge campaign addressed to the Director of WII and can give the Institute the conviction to resist pressure from vested interests and prevent this irreparable destruction,” Claude replied.
The AM group also asked GF about how long they think will it take for the pending cases in the court to be fully resolved.
“We have three cases ongoing in the High Court – about tree-felling in Sangolda, challenging the high-tension power line, and the (national) highway expansion. On the last one, the GF differs from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the Supreme Court is still evaluating the CEC report, so there may be more hearings,” Norma said.
“Perhaps once the SC rules, two of the HC cases will become redundant. It might take a couple of years for resolution,” she said.
Another question posed to GF was whether Goa’s natural wealth appeared to be under assault and what the State government should be doing to protect Goa’s natural resources.
“Our challenge is that Goa’s government is in favour of these projects, despite the fact that ordinary Goans know why we should protect and maintain our environment. Schoolchildren are learning about it. Judges know that it’s an important consideration in matters that come before them. But legislative thinking is largely dominated by political interests and the desire to stay in power, and these projects are a part of that,” said Claude.
“We have to meet these powerful individuals face-to-face to discuss these issues, lay out the implications, and propose alternatives. If we can succeed at that, our natural wealth can be protected,” Claude added.