Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the condolence motion moved by Panaji MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker voicing sympathy for the bereaved family of former Goa Governor, late Lt Gen (Retd) JFR Jacob, who breathed his last on Wednesday at the Army Hospital in New Delhi.
Leader of Oppostion Pratapsing Raoji Rane, who had worked closely with Jacob between 1994 and 1998, bowed down to the efforts of the late war veteran and ‘green hero’ towards creation of the Mhadei and Netravali wildlife sanctuaries.
“The sanctuaries were created one day before the elections were declared after a period of President’s Rule on June 4, 1999 creating 750 sq kms of protected green zones. Nearly 34 per cent of Goa is under forests today thanks to Jacob’s efforts,” Rane stated.
St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh, Panchayat and Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar supported the motion and spoke about the greatness of the man, whose dedicated work towards creation of Bandgladesh and towards betterment of Goa was termed as invaluable.
Parserkar informed that the national tricolor was flown at half mast at all government offices. “We did not declare a holiday because that would have gone against the disciplined work ethics of this great man,” he said.
