PANJIM: Amidst the growing State-wide opposition from cross sections to the proposed Infrastructure projects passing through the protected areas of Mollem National Park and Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the ruling BJP in Goa defended the projects stating “it is not something new”.
Addressing the media, BJP Spokesperson Siddharth Kuncaliencar said, “These projects are for the betterment and future of Goa. In these days every project is facing opposition in Goa by this so call self proclaimed experts or activists.”
He said, “All these three projects are existing projects, there is nothing new in this. We should have the vision for the next 30-50 years. Everything is being kept in the mind while going ahead with this projects.”
The BJP Spokesperson further said that underpasses will be created for wildlife to free pass from one side to the other While stating that people should have a Judgemental decision.
“We have to be postive and think of the future generations. All three projects are very important for Goa. People are only thinking in a negetive way, we should think postively” Kuncaliencar stated
Goa is set to lose around 55,000 trees and 185 hectares of pristine Western Ghats forest cover for three infrastructure projects – a highway expansion, double tracking of railway line and a hypertension power line. The projects have been approved by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Over 150 scientists, academicians, conservationists and concerned citizens from across the country, tourism stakeholders from Goa has already urged Union Minister for MoEF&CC Prakash Javadekar to reconsider the approvals granted as the projects will have long-term devastating impact on environment and wildlife.