I have observed two ways World Environment Day is celebrated in Goa. First, by genuine citizens and groups who voluntarily take initiative, spread awareness, and sincerely work towards protecting the environment. Second, by the government, whose actions often appear hypocritical.
While leaders speak about protecting hills and greenery, little effective action is seen on the ground. For every sapling publicly planted, numerous existing and even heritage trees are cut. Through mechanisms like 39-A conversions, green zones, forests, fields, and lakes are increasingly converted into settlements, largely benefiting real estate interests, many linked to outsiders. Complaints regarding illegal environmental destruction are often ignored.
Environment Day events therefore appear more like publicity exercises aimed at promoting the ministers and MLAs rather than genuine environmental protection.
It seems many ministers and MLAs lack proper understanding of environmental preservation. Instead of symbolic programs, the government should conduct compulsory, detailed training on environmental protection, stronger laws, enforcement measures, preservation of heritage trees, and preventing destructive real estate expansion.
