Goa loses tireless crusader for ecology and justice

MARGAO
Environmental organisations that spearheaded Goa’s prolonged anti-coal and anti-double tracking agitations have paid glowing tributes to Fr Bolmax Pereira, describing him as a visionary mentor whose leadership inspired an entire generation of youth to join the fight to protect Goa’s fragile ecology.
Remembering the late priest and environmental activist, Goencho Ekvott founder-leader Orville Dourado said Fr Bolmax was the “driving force” behind mobilising young people during the anti-coal, anti-double tracking and “Amchem Mollem” movements that gained momentum across the State over the last several years.
Dourado said Fr Bolmax leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy for all those committed to safeguarding Goa’s environment, especially at a time when many young people appear increasingly disconnected from mainstream environmental and social causes.
“He showed the youth the importance of standing up for Goa’s future. It is now time for the younger generation to shoulder that responsibility and continue the legacy that Fr Bolmax built with such dedication,” he said.
Highlighting Fr Bolmax’s active role during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he recalled how, under the priest’s mentorship, Goencho Ekvott organised as many as 83 public awareness meetings across Goa to educate citizens about environmental protection and sustainable development.
“For Goencho Ekvott, Fr Bolmax was the driving force who energised the youth behind the anti-coal and anti-double tracking movement, apart from the ‘Amchem Mollem’ campaign. Even during the pandemic, he remained actively involved and guided us in taking the message to every corner of Goa,” Dourado added.
He further said Fr Bolmax’s contribution extended far beyond protests and movements, pointing to several grassroots initiatives that continue to thrive today.
“The mangroves planted across Goa, the self-sustainable Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, the 7 Notes band, and various farmers’ clubs established from Sanguem to Candolim are some of the remarkable legacies he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us physically, his work will continue to inspire generations through these initiatives,” Rodrigues said.
Meanwhile, Goyant Kollso Naka co-convenor and environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai described Fr Bolmax’s passing as a major loss to Goa’s civil society and environmental movement.
He said Fr Bolmax played an active and influential role in the anti-coal, anti-track doubling and Save Mollem movements that united thousands of Goans against projects perceived as threats to the State’s biodiversity and ecological balance.
“His contribution to the anti-coal and track doubling agitation was immense. Fr Bolmax invested enormous energy and effort into the movement to save Goa’s environment. This is a huge loss not only for civil society but for Goa as a whole,” Prabhudesai said.
He expressed hope that Fr Bolmax’s life and commitment to environmental protection would continue to inspire people, particularly the youth, to actively participate in safeguarding Goa’s natural heritage.
“Fr Bolmax and Goyant Kollso Naka worked together because we shared common goals. His contribution to the larger Save Goa movement was tremendous, and we hope many Goans will follow in his footsteps,” he added.