PANAJI
The Supreme Court verdict scrapping the NBWL clearance for the double-tracking of the railway line was received with elation by Goa's Greens and NGOs who were part of the sustained movement against the three linear projects in 2020-21 but a few have advised caution as the Railways have been permitted to re-apply.
"This is a huge victory for citizens and youngsters from all across Goa and the world who worked tirelessly for the Amche Mollem campaign," said the collective "Amchem Mollem" which spearheaded the agitation.
In a press release it petitioned members of the State Wildlife Advisory Board to now take a stand and pass a resolution against the double-tracking project whenever the Railways re-applies for forest clearance for the project.
It also recalled the dedicated work of one of its prominent activists Julio Aguiar who passed away on May 13 last year at the peak of the second wave of Covid-19 infections in the State, a couple of weeks after he assisted the CEC in the site inspections.
Dr Bolmax Pereira, a Catholic priest who played a prominent leadership role in the movement said: "Our fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats and the internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot and important wildlife corridor of our country has been saved from destruction."
Pereira said, the verdict vindicates the strong stand taken by youth for a future full of forests.
"Let our government know that we want and will always support sustainable development,’’ he said, adding that the trust and faith in the Supreme Court has been re-affirmed.
Abhijit Prabhudesai of Goyant Kolso Naka was cautious and advocated vigilance and a continued struggle until all the coal transportation infra projects are scrapped.
"The SC order ignores and defeats the CEC Report which after detailed deliberations found that the double-tracking has no benefit and is unnecessary," Prabhudesai said, referring to the Apex Court's permission to the Railways to re-apply for the Wildlife Board nod for the project. He added that GKN had expected the Supreme Court to cancel the project.
Captain Viriato Fernandes of the Congress party termed the Supreme Court verdict a victory for the people, the youth and all those who stuck their necks out to save Goa from falling into the hands of crony capitalists.
"We thank Goa Foundation, Goencho Ekvott, Goyant Kolso Naka and all those who fought against the three destructive projects," Fernandes said.
Goencho Swabhiman Party (GSP) lauded the people who fought against the destructive projects and made their voices count.
Heta Pandit of Goa Heritage Action Group expressed the hope that the Railways will now call for a discussion and hear "our side" while maintaining that sustainable development which involves consulting all stake-holders will always be welcomed.
