Citing environmental concerns, the Directorate of Education has reportedly made canvas shoes mandatory as part of the school student uniform in government, aided, unaided, primary, secondary higher secondary and special schools, except during the monsoon season, when rainwear is permitted. It is a fact that leather is a by-product of the cattle industry and a major culprit of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions globally. It contributes to significant biodiversity loss. Canvas shoes are lightweight and well-ventilated, making them ideal for warmer weather. However, they have a shorter lifespan than leather shoes as they are prone to wear and tear. Canvas shoes are also often affordable and available in a variety of colours and designs. Crafted from breathable materials, canvas shoes are lightweight and perfect for long hours of wear. However, making canvas shoes mandatory for school students is a very miniscule step towards preventing environmental degradation. In Goa it is a well-known fact that rampant deforestation is being carried out to make way for concrete jungles. Hill cutting and deforestation will have a much more negative impact on nature than students wearing leather shoes.
