Goa’s environmental movement suffers second major loss in three months

MARGAO
The passing away of Fr Bolmax Pereira has dealt yet another severe blow to Goa’s environmental movement, with the State losing two of its most committed environmental warriors within a span of just three months.
Exactly three months ago, on February 27, noted environmental activist Diana Tavares from Rachol passed away following an illness. Her demise sent shockwaves across Goa’s civil society and among various grassroots movements fighting to protect the State’s fragile ecology.
Describing the deaths of Diana Tavares and Fr Bolmax Pereira as an irreparable loss to Goa’s environmental struggles, activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said the State has lost two fearless voices who dedicated their lives to safeguarding Goa’s environment and natural heritage.
“Diana Tavares was a grassroots worker and among the biggest contributors on the ground. She passed away on February 27. It will be exactly three months on Wednesday. Now, three months later, Fr Bolmax has also passed away,” Prabhudesai said.
He further stated that both activists stood firmly with people’s movements and consistently raised their voices against projects perceived as destructive to Goa’s environment and communities.
“The people of Goa should draw inspiration from the lives and work of Diana and Fr Bolmax and continue the ongoing struggles to save Goa and its environment to their logical conclusion,” he added.
Late activist Diana Tavares was actively associated with several environmental movements across the state. She had participated in major agitations, including the Melauli protest movement and the midnight anti-track doubling agitation at Chandor. Her activism had also led to police cases being registered against her during these protests.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, too, was widely respected for his unwavering commitment towards environmental protection, social justice and people-centric causes, earning admiration from activists and citizens across Goa. The loss of two prominent campaigners has left Goa’s environmental movement grieving at a time when several crucial struggles over land, forests and infrastructure projects continue across the State.