Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has warned that the soil erosion and landslides have to be taken seriously failing which, there could be a bigger disaster in the waiting.
“The news regarding tree cutting, soil erosion and repeated mudslides in the hills of Baga & Sinquerim needs to be viewed seriously failing which a big disaster is waiting to happen. Blatant cutting of trees in these hill areas engaging labourers despite being under dispute in High Court cannot take place without powerful political backing,” Khaunte wrote on his blog.
He added that this act is a direct challenge to the locals protesting against the tree cutting in these naturally sensitive areas.
“The frequent mudslides at Sinquerim due to soil erosion which in turn is a direct result of rampant felling of trees is threatening the very standing of Fort Aguada, the historic landmark of Goa! Why do local politicians turn a blind eye to these infringements on nature? Why’s it that even when locals are opposed to the destruction of nature, our elected representatives are acting in opposite interests? When will we learn that the natural beauty and historic sites are the reason why tourists flock to Goa and that our economy depends on Preservation and not Destruction of our natural assets?,” he asked.
He said the livelihood of these beach belts depends upon sustaining the natural beauty and not Rave Parties or Drug peddling.
“Worldwide people are planting trees and in the Tourism Capital of India we’re cutting trees with the patronage of the high and mighty whose source of moneybags is kickbacks from Rave Parties & Drug Mafia. We all need to awake and act before it’s too late,” he stated.
He further pledged full support to the locals in their fight to save the beautiful hills and the historic Fort Aguada.
