On World Environment Day, June 5, the Goa government launched the Green NH66 Mission under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For our Future” to develop a green corridor along nearly 70 km of National Highway 66 from Patradevi to Galgibag through large-scale tree plantation drives.
The initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched in 2024 to increase green cover and spread awareness about environmental protection.
However, many people question the sincerity of such campaigns. While mothers are rightly honoured, some ask why fathers are ignored, suggesting a similar “Ek Ped Baap Ke Naam” initiative.
At the same time, Goa continues to witness rampant hill-cutting, tree felling for road widening and mega projects, and the conversion of agricultural fields into real-estate developments.
Critics argue that unless the government first stops environmental damage caused by builders and destructive projects, plantation drives alone cannot truly make Goa green.
