OLD GOA
On the occasion of World Tiger Day on Saturday, several activists got together to celebrate the day especially because of the High Court verdict directing the government to declare Tiger Reserve in the State.
The activists further appealed to the government to respect the HC order and declare Tiger Reserve as directed, as they said that there would be no additional impact as the Tiger Reserve would be included within the wildlife sanctuaries itself.
Speaking on the occasion, activist Rajan Ghate said the Tiger Reserve would be beneficial for the Goans as then our River Mhadei would also get saved from being diverted by Karnataka.
“The Tiger Reserve initiative was first taken by environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar and we are carrying his vision forward,” Ghate stated, while also lauding Goa Foundation’s Claude Alvares and Adv Norma Alvares for being instrumental in getting the historic HC verdict.
Ghate then targeted Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane for adamantly stating that he would challenge the verdict in the SC.
“We have reason to believe that Rane has personal interest as his supporters have encroached into the wildlife sanctuary and to protect them, he wants to challenge the verdict,” alleged Ghate and appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to drop the forest portfolio of Rane as he would not be able to do justice to Goans on the Tiger Reserve.
Pratima Coutinho said the HC verdict on Tiger Reserve is a God sent blessing to save the environment, nature, wildlife, water resources and most importantly, River Mhadei.
Coutinho then slammed the Rane duo for making wild claims that thousands of people would have to be shifted when Tiger Reserve is notified.
“These people should consult environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar on the matter and get the correct picture instead of making such wild claims,” Coutinho stated and informed that only a few families would have to be relocated.
“If people could be rehabilitated for Mopa Airport, why can’t the same be done here and that too when very few families are getting affected for the larger good of the State,” Coutinho opined.
Activist Xencor Polgi slammed those politicians claiming that Tiger Reserve is not suitable for Goa as it already has scarce land.
“If Goa has scarce land, then how come Mopa airport was built on 1 crore square metres of land. The theme park would not have been proposed along with other mega projects,” Polgi stated, while adding that the only person who can speak on the pros and cons of Tiger Reserve is Rajendra Kerkar.
Polgi further condemned the statements that government would approach the SC to challenge the verdict and informed that it only goes to show that the politicians would go to any length to save their self-interests, even to the extent of defying the High Court.
Others who spoke included activists Rama Kankonkar, Azim Khan, Mariano Ferrao, Dattaram Naik, Walter Lobo, TMC’s Samil Volvoikar and others.
