24 April 2016

Why commemorate Earth Day?

The 46th Earth Day was commemorated around the world on Friday, April 22. The mission of the Earth Day Network is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle to build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations.

Unfortunately, the state government is notorious for failing to protect Goa's environment and the interests of citizens. In fact, the government and its environment minister are infamous for their anti-environmental measures and for openly catering to the interests of all found guilty of destroying our environment. Shame on them for abetting the destruction of Goa's ecology and environment. From Cavrem to Corlim to Cansaulim, we Goans are in shock and despair. What a sad way to be commemorating Earth Day!

The shocking case of a starred resort and a ship-breaking company abdicating all responsibility regarding a pontoon that ran aground off Arossim beach recently, stands testimony. From reports published in TOI, it appears that helpless villagers and concerned citizens have been left to their own resources to address this coastal environmental disaster in the making. The culprits responsible for this are getting away scot-free, including the ones who gave the permissions.

Goans have to suffer yet another environmental disaster. It is unacceptable that the taxpayer is being made to pay to remedy the situation. The ship-breaking company, the management of the starred resort, and those who gave illegal permissions are responsible for the damage caused to the beach. They should be held accountable for this destruction and be made to pay to restore the beach to its pristine nature.

The government of Goa has, so far, done nothing to book those guilty and no action is being taken for reasons best known to it.

Source: 24 April 2016.

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