Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar on World Environment Day launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of promoting environmental destruction while projecting a pro-green image through symbolic initiatives.
Chodankar alleged that the state government, headed by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, has overseen large-scale damage to Goa’s forests, hills, water bodies and fragile ecosystems, while simultaneously participating in plantation drives and awareness programmes.
He said that no government in Goa’s history has spoken more about environmental protection while allowing what he termed as systematic ecological degradation in the name of development and Section 39A.
Describing the government’s approach as “environmental deception,” Chodankar alleged that forests are being cleared, hills altered, and natural resources diverted to vested interests, while environmental events are used for publicity.
He further said that celebrating World Environment Day amid ongoing ecological damage was contradictory and compared it to “observing a fast while feasting all day,” adding that environmental protection has been reduced to a publicity exercise.
The GPCC President demanded the immediate scrapping of Section 39A and called for a scientifically prepared, people-centric Regional Plan developed in consultation with experts, local bodies and citizens.
He also sought removal of offshore casinos from the Mandovi River and restoration of its ecological balance, along with stronger protection for forests, hills, wetlands, water bodies and eco-sensitive zones.
Chodankar asserted that Goa’s environment belongs to its people and not to political or commercial interests, warning that continued environmental degradation would have long-term consequences for future generations.
He said the people of Goa will hold the government accountable for environmental damage, stating that the real threat to Goa’s ecology is not only climate change but also what he termed as reckless governance and policy decisions.
