PANAJI: Speaking at the launch of Rajendra Kerkar’s book on Natural Heritage of Goa, Secretary for sports, panchayat raj, rural development, publc grievances and official language, Mathew Samuel said the Goa’s case for Mahadei water dispute was weak.
“Our position is weakened due to the lack of agriculture in the state. The main dispute is in the agriculture and the water being used for irrigation and the fact is that it isn’t being done in Goa,” he said, however later adding that Goa’s waterways were unique in having both a saline as well as fresh water status.
Samuel also praised Kerkar’s efforts in fighting for Goa’s cause at the Tribunal along the lines of the ecological disaster that would occur if the water was to be diverted. Praising the efforts of the book itself, Samuels also added that there was a need to protect the unique identity of the state.
“We should be careful with the development being undertaken in the state. Plateau’s are being cut at such rapidity to make way for flats and buildings. We cannot afford to let go of our forests but development is also important. Our very identity will be at risk. We cannot destroy nature to this extent,” said Samuel.
Also speaking at the launch of the book, noted social activist Vishram Gupte said there was a serious issue with ecology while also praising Kerkar’s efforts in Kerkar’s work taken up in the lesser known areas of Goa. He also added that though development was required, there was a need for conservation of Goa’s forests and ecology, a job Kerkar was doing phenomenally.
“Kerkar is one of the Goan resistance models against development. He is the true satyagrihi of Goa. The resistance models include Claude Alvares and Ramesh Gawas. Goa is still beautiful and though there have been enormous changes, the people have remained the same
The book titled Natural Heritage of Goa is a collection of Kerkar’s articles on Goa and its rich natural heritage from the people and places to plants, animals, deities and rituals in the state.
Speaking of his work, Kerkar said he had begun three decades ago. “I began with my work over three decades ago with the mission to protect because I grew up in an area that was rich in water and was surrounded by beautiful hills named after peacocks and lions,” he said. The book is a compilation of all the articles he wrote for the Navhind Times while he worked for them.
