A sea of humanity spread thick and wide across the landscape of Chandor, more specifically the site of the proposed double-tracking work on Sunday midnight. In an unprecedented show of unity, not seen since the post-Liberation era, people not only braved the killer virus but thronged in thousands in the dead of night to fight for a common cause -- to save Goa from the onslaught of coal pollution.
People began their sojourn to Chandor from 10 pm and stayed put till well past 4.30 am with protesters squatting on rail tracks and refusing to move. The night had the makings of a historical rebellion, unheard in recent times. There were moments of silence, candles glowing in the dark, beating of the drums, slogans and songs, all piercing through the midnight quiet. All this only reflects the magnitude of anger and the resolve behind this fight.
The overwhelming size of the protests, with the numbers crossing four thousand, forced the railways to backtrack with no work undertaken at the Chandor site. People's power prevailed, but many questions went answered. While there were apprehensions of a law and order situation, given the expected turnout, coupled with the fiery nature of the issue at hand, why did the government not intervene and pre-empt risks of clashes? Why did it choose to be silent bystander against its people?
Activists, NGOs, social workers, ordinary citizens and even political parties of all hues had given a call to join the protest. The government was well aware of the seriousness of this protest and if it wanted, could have averted a massive face-off by withdrawing the order issued by the Collector. A slightest of a flare-up in such an emotionally charged environment could have disastrous consequences, even leading to a stampede. By allowing people to gather in such numbers, the government has not only allowed the anger within people to fester but also shown defiance.
It is baffling to understand why the double-tracking has become a top priority project in Goa, when significant portions of the track have not yet been aligned and when there is still clarity needed on forest areas. Why is Goa in such a tearing hurry? And why double-tracking become such a prestige issue for the current dispensation?
The Chandor protest was one of its kind, and as much as it settled scores with the authorities, at least on that night, it also set another record straight. The theory that was being floated that the protest is a handiwork of parties for political gains in view of the elections lay demolished. Senior leaders were publicly humiliated for using party flags and giving a political flavour to the agitation, and that sent out a message loud and clear. Protesters took centre stage relegating political parties and heavyweights to the sidelines.
Davorlim will be destination next on November 8 midnight. We hope that the government wakes up to the reality facing them and acts accordingly. Engaging people unconditionally is the way forward in a highly-charged environment. It's time the State government pulls the brakes on double-tracking and listens to the voice of its people.
