I’m deeply disappointed by the decision of the environment ministry to waive off the Environment Clearance (EC) for the Nauxi marina project in Zuari River. This decision seems to prioritise economic interests over environmental conservation and the well-being of the local community. I believe that this decision is a backdoor entry to the project. The concerns of villagers and environmentalists about potential harm to marine life, traditional fishing, and the ecosystem should not be dismissed lightly. These are legitimate concerns that should be addressed.
The fact that the State government had previously dropped the project in 2021 due to opposition from the local community speaks volumes about the project’s contentious nature. It’s disheartening to see this decision being overturned, seemingly without a more thorough consideration of its consequences. The fact that the project does not require Environmental Clearance (EC) shows how it was planned meticulously by changing laws by the central government. Our generation is increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
Projects like AHOY Marina should be subject to rigorous scrutiny, and their potential impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods, and the local economy should be carefully weighed. It’s crucial that we prioritise the long-term well-being of our environment and the communities that depend on it over short-term economic gains. This decision, in my opinion, falls short of those standards. The time has come for younger generation to hold hands with the seniors and the stake holders to protest the decision for granting approval for Marina project by educating all concerned and teach a lesson for double engine Sarkar in ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
