MARGAO
The National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation on Saturday has adopted a host of resolutions, including a resolution opposing the three linear projects and has vowed to continue to work with the Goencho Ekvott to oppose them till they are withdrawn.
Addressing the media at the SVD seminary hall on the occasion of NCHRO’s 25 years of establishment, the resolution pointed out that the three infrastructure projects threaten the forests in and around Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Double tracking the railway line requires a total of 138.37 hectares of forest land. The total number of trees to be felled are 22,882; of which 20,758 will be felled from the protected area. The four-lane highway expansion needs 63.615 hectares of forest land. The total number of trees to be felled are 20,340; of which 12,097 trees will be felled from the protected area. The total number of trees to be felled are 15,772; of which 4,139 trees will be felled from the protected area,” the resolution stated.
Stating the Western Ghats, of which Goa’s largest protected area is a part, are 150 million years old, the resolution pointed out they are older than the Himalayas. Climate and environmental injustices will disproportionately affect children from already marginalised communities like tribal communities who directly depend on the land and its resources.
In another resolution, the NCHRO said the organisation is committed to continuing support and advocate for the trans-community, so that the trans-Indians have an equal chance to succeed and thrive.
On the indigenous people in Melauli, the resolution stated although the struggle has successfully concluded, the government, which grabbed the peoples land illegally, has not returned the land. “They were forcibly occupied with no procedures followed. Hence people are alert and want to force the government to give back their documents. Until then, the struggle remains. The lands are agricultural, spaces for livelihoods, rich in bio diversity and forests,” the resolution said.
