Driving along the Western Bypass, it is painful to see many large, old trees marked for cutting for road widening. Nearby fields are also being filled for the same purpose. The Goa BJP government often speaks about protecting the environment and promoting agriculture, but its actions show the opposite. There is no real need to widen this road when the parallel NH66 already has two additional lanes. It is disappointing that BJP ministers appear unconcerned, and equally worrying that opposition MLAs remain silent. At a time when Goa is facing climate change and poor air quality, it is sad to see senior ministers approving the cutting of trees for such projects across the State. Goa is a small State and cannot simply copy highway designs used in much larger States. It appears the State government is following instructions from the Centre without considering Goa’s special needs or pushing for exceptions. Many feel that development should be sensible and necessary, not wasteful. Goans and residents must come together to oppose these harmful policies, or we risk turning Goa into a polluted State.
