Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Water Resources Department (WRD) has come in for sharp criticism for eradicating mangroves to construct a retaining wall on the banks of Kushavati river (River Talpona) in the Ordhafond region of Poinguinim.
On witnessing destruction of mangroves being taken up with the help of a JCB at Ordhafond, Goa Forward Party Environment Cell Chairman Vikas Bhagat have aleted Canacona Dy. Collector, Mamlatdar and Police Inspector requesting an urgent site inspection on Tuesday.
According to Bhagat, mangroves have been obliterated,shattering the local ecological balance of the area behind the Chapel at Ordhafond.
“On witnessing this destruction, we immediately alerted every competent authority, the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar and Police Inspector of Canacona, and requested an urgent site inspection.”
Bhagat further informed that since then the concerned citizens have learned that the work is executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD). ‘ If so‑called development entails eradication of mangroves, we categorically reject it, and it doesn’t matter whether it is under Viksit Goa or Viksit Bharat. Such government sanctioned ecological vandalism is indefensible’.
Bhagat asked ‘Who authorized the falling of these protected mangroves? The MLA of Canacona was duty bound to verify compliance and order a thorough inspection before permitting construction of the retaining wall. One can not obtain a permit and then casually annihilate an entire ecosystem. Mangroves are indispensable. They stabilize coastlines, nurture biodiversity, and serve as potent carbon sinks.’
A visibly upset Bhagat further stated that destroying them (mangroves) is not progress. It is a profound regression. This must never happen again!’, calling for immediate attention of Canacona MLA and GLA Speaker and conduct a thorough enquiry into the uncanny chopping off eco-rich mangroves and fix the responsibility for its destruction, before any development is allowed to continue.
