Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: In a significant boost to Amche Mollem Citizens Groups’ tireless fight to protect the state’s environment and biodiversity, leaders of the state opposition parties reiterated their continuing support for the cause.
The opposition leaders vociferously urged the government to heed the pleas of the people of Goa and put a stop to these destructive projects immediately.
Captain Viriato Fernandes from the Congress Party said: “Ecologists and environmentalists have warned against the three linear projects that will create havoc to the lives and livelihoods of Goans. The Mollem project needs to be scrapped with immediate effect.
“I would like to remind the government that its primary duty is to look after and safeguard the health, welfare, and best interests of the people they are meant to serve. Fulfilling the vested interests of crony capitalists cannot be done at the cost of Goa and Goans,” he said.
Swapnesh Sherlekar, President of Goencho Swabhiman Party (GSP), said: “We fully support the youth of Goa who is fighting to protect Goa’s biodiversity.
Turning Goa into a coal hub will certainly destroy the state’s tourism industry, the last surviving bastion of its economy.
“We appeal to the CM to reconsider and halt the destructive Mollem projects. After all, the coal industry and the environmental destruction that comes along with it are hardly compatible with a well-recognized and well-established tourist destination,” he said.
Advocate Carlos Ferreria, Congress MLA of Aldona constituency, said: “With the new government in place, I appeal to the Ministry headed by the Hon. Chief Minister to follow the four steps suggested by the Save Mollem organization. This will prevent environmental degradation from being caused by the linear projects. I support the cause espoused by Save Mollem that the task lies with the Goa government and our legislators. My colleagues and I request them to cut across party lines and save Goa, not just today but for generations ahead.”
