Warning of intensifying agitation; GKN holds protest at Forest HQ
PANAJI
Days after telling the government that they will talk only after nods for Mollem projects are revoked, several youth from different parts of Goa held a peaceful morcha at the Forest department's headquarters at Altinho and formally sought in writing withdrawal of permissions given for felling of trees at Mollem.
The youth also issued a warning of intensifying their of agitation if the government goes ahead with the projects despite the swelling opposition to them.
Also holding a demonstration at the same venue was the anti-coal collective Goyant Kolso Naka, which has been spearheading the stir against the South Western Railways double-tracking project in South Goa.
The youngsters under the banner of Youth from across Goa had earlier demanded that the government revoke the forest clearances given to 3 controversial projects in the wildlife sanctuary immediately and stop tokenism about having a discussion on these projects.
"You cannot approve a project in the public interest without both due process and our consent and then tell us we can talk about it. It is clear: First, revoke the clearances related to Mollem and then start discussions," said a furious youth leader.
"Goa forest department should not give any consent to go-ahead for the project," said another protesting youth.
The youth also questioned the government’s move of asking for comments to the Goa State Action Plan for Climate Change while on the other hand saying they will go ahead with the projects despite the youth (along with scientists, doctors, lawyers, architects, veterinarians and so many more) sending numerous representations citing the irreversible damages of destroying Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which is Goa’s largest protected area, that is part of a global biodiversity hotspot.
It may be recalled that the ongoing protests against the Centre-sponsored projects which threaten protected forests at Mollem, including axing some 70,000 age old trees had also stormed micro-blogging site Twitter.
Two of the hashtags -- #IndiaWithGoa and #DropFIRsAgainstGoans -- were trending on Twitter in India.
Several other civil society movements including Let India Breathe, Save Mumbai Forests, Youth for Climate India, Students for Climate India, United Conservation Movement, Aravalli Bachao, PRESOG and GAIMS (Global Association of Indian Medical Students) supported the campaign on Twitter.
