This is in reference to the report in TGE dt Sept 23, 2024, ‘Goans unite to protect their land.’ It was heartening to see so many people participating in a peaceful candle light rally to fight against the project proposed in Sancoale. How effective and successful have current rallies been? Citing recent examples of such rallies, rally against illegal construction of bungalow in the heritage zone at Old Goa, agitation against Mopa airport, double tracking, hill cutting, deforestation and so on. But what is seen is double tracking goes on in full swing and 90 per cent work is completed, Mopa greenfield airport began its operation, hill cutting is rampant, deforestation goes on unabated. In 70s, Goa used to witness students’ agitations. One such agitation was reducing the bus fare for students. All students came out on the streets and the government reduced the bus fare to 50 per cent. There were only a handful of student leaders then, but they were powerful, effective and successful. Goa needs such type of leaders and rallies today to wake up the government so that the hills, green fields, water bodies and lands are protected.
