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strategic locations leaving the surface terrain free for movement of all types of wildlife.” The CEC observed that the width of the under passes/ over passes provided for the movement of animals by the Goa PWD were inadequate, and recommended that the length of the span of the proposed four-lane elevated road be increased from 12 metres to up to 100 m. Political Battle over the Projects Environmentalists and citizen’s groups had opposed the projects tooth and nail. A protest had been staged against the double tracking project in November 2020 with thousands of Goans – youth in large numbers – gathering in Chandor in November 2020 under the ‘Save Mollem’ banner. On several occasions, the opposition had targeted the BJP in the Goa Assembly over the clearances granted to the linear projects. Groups like Amche Mollem Citizen Group, Goencho Ekvott and Goencho Avaaz are some of the groups that have been very vocal about the three projects. Now that the CEC has given their recommendations, which while being expert recommendations, are still subjective. So what are these groups doing to ensure that these recommendations don’t get overpowered by some other loopholes that the government could exploit in favour of the linear projects? A spokesperson from Amche Mollem Citizen Group weighs in with their opinion. “The CEC report is being studied by legal experts, scientists, researchers, citizen groups from all across the board, including stakeholders and conservationists on the Karnataka side who have benefitted from the CEC suggesting cancellation of the railway project. The focused and creative efforts of citizens will continue in the same
“CEC does not find any justification for undertaking a project of this nature which will destroy the fragile eco-system of the Western Ghats, which is an internationally recognised biodiversity hot spot and also one of the most important wildlife corridors of the country,” reads the CEC’s order vein in the future, if not only get stronger, after the CEC’s report.” Roshan Luke Mathias, Vice-President, Goencho Avaaz said, “The report prepared by the CEC is well compiled and has been prepared with great study covering minute details whether scientific, economic, technical, legal or any other. We respect the decision/recommendation of the CEC but at the same time, armed with concrete evidence obtained through RTI documents and advice of experts and renowned scientists and environmentalists in our team, we will definitely oppose the proposed expansion of the NH and we are confident that eventually we will be able to convince the MoEF & CC not to issue the EC for the project.” When asked the same question, Orville Dourado Rodrigues, Founder member of Goencho Ekvott says, “There is a huge amount of trust deficit as far as people’s basic aspirations to life in a clean environment is concerned, something that the villagers had got used to as a way of life. As Chairman of VACAD and Founder member of GOENCHO EKVOTT I have had multiple interactions with our Hon. Chief Minister and other concerned Ministers wherein we put across the views of the common man through factual data reports and audio-visual presentations with regards
to the three linear projects. Despite the favourable recommendation by the CEC to the Supreme Court which is on expected lines as far as the double tracking is concerned, we are treading a very cautious approach in tandem with our dedicated legal team to plug any loopholes that the Government may exploit to benefit their crony capitalists friends at the expense of our people.” Much as these groups have given it their all in their fight to protect Goa’s lungs and bio-diversity, the next big question still stands. Is ‘objection / cancellation’ the end game for these groups, or are they also focused on sustainable development and ready to work with the system to find alternatives that are more environmentally viable and at the same time achieve some of the benefits that these projects would bring in the long run? Amche Mollem Citizen Group says, “There is no question of with or without the system, it’s a set of common goals we espouse as citizens who care for Goa’s largest protected area. Our vision for a future does NOT involve destroying forests and are grounded in local cultural, scientific and legal values. The CEC explicitly said the railway project is not economically viable and the transmission line project will not provide any economic benefit as we are able to meet demand from the existing power infrastructure. This, if properly managed, will be able to provide for future demand as well.” Roshan adds, “Objecting Destruction itself spells sustainability. The same was endorsed in the report of the CEC. The entire set of documents procured by Goencho Avaaz through RTI with regards to the 3 linear projects showcase the dire requirement of crony capitalists for infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of coal transportation throughout
our fragile state displacing the people, the environment, the heritage, the tourism in short ‘death of Goa.’ Objecting these ill-conceived plans wrapped in a fancy package called ‘development’ would only ensure that Goa is wiped off at a faster pace. Goencho Avaaz is committed to promote the use of alternative source of energy like harnessing of solar, wind, hydro, etc so as to keep in tune with the UN goal of sustainable development. We as Goencho Avaaz are set to do all that it takes to keep Goa safe and secure for the future generations to come!” Orville answers this pertinent question saying, “Goencho Ekvott understands that we have to keep pace with development, in fact we are pro-development, but it should be sustainable, something that will aid and give a boost to the local economy for generations to come. Goencho Ekvott is confident that collective efforts by its citizens across all strata of our society can yield positive results and reverse the trend of a once thriving economy. Part of our natural harbour at MPT could be converted to a container terminal which will benefit our world class pharmaceutical sector to export their finished goods from Goa itself, rather than other ports on the West coast. So yes, Goencho Ekvott is definitely pro-development but a big No to Double Tracking, and transportation of dirty coal through Goa.” What is next? While a Supreme Court hearing is awaited, the campaigners plan to continue their work with the same vigour. These groups and various other activists and environmentalists have received plenty of threats. Clearly they are not backing down anytime soon, these threats having only strengthened their resolve to see these projects getting cancelled all together
MAY 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 25
