- Alina Saldanha has a good reason to be miffed
Depends on how you look at it
- What do you mean?
She had blocked a few projects which the state government was keen on pursuing
- Is it the job of the Forest and Environment Minister to clear everything?
I agree, taking care of the environment is the primary responsibility of the minister but we need a balance between the environment and industry
- If the government wants blanket clearances it should merge industries and environment. We have an independent forest and environment portfolio because these areas need protection.
But she misused the bio-diversity board to block a hotel in cansaulim and a mini-India park elsewhere.
- Is that a crime?
She was also opposed to marinas which would have brought high-end tourists to the state.
- I know a lot of people who are opposed to the marinas.
Do you know why?
- The general belief is that the presence of so many boats at one spot would scare away the fish.
It’s a fear, not something based on scientific data. So should all our policies be dictated by fear?
- I think the fishermen know what is best for them and Alina took up their cause. I mean, what is the use of being Forest and Environment Minister if you are not going to stand up for the environment.
You are right, but protection of the environment should be based on scientific data and not unsubstantiated fear.
- All politicians, especially elected representatives go along with the people. That is how democracy works. It’s not correct to penalize Alina for supporting her voters.
I think the real problem here is that environment and forest policy was being formulated in the cortalim constituency by a few people.
- I think the conspiracy to strip her of the portfolio was hatched by big business houses.
You just have to face it, without the private sector this nation would have gone down the drain. India has embraced a capitalistic economy with both arms and corporate houses and small businesses have proved that they can deliver better than the government.
- You are pro business…
Have to be or else who will create the jobs. Environment protection is important but if we cannot monetise the environment to grow the economy what is the point in protecting it.
- What about climate change?
Surely you are not saying two marinas in the state will result in climate change.
- Eventually, everything adds up.
I am just not convinced Alina was protecting the environment. She just went along with a few people in her constituency and that was her undoing. Environment protection has to flow from government policy.
- So they did a Jairam Ramesh on her.
Sort of.
- Sad ending.
