Goa: Sanguem MLA backs stir against eco-sensitive zone

MARGAO: Minister for social welfare and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai has thrown in his lot with villagers likely to be affected by the proposed eco-sensitive zone in Sanguem as per the Union environment ministry’s draft notification proposing 99 Goan villages to be declared as eco-sensitive zones.
“I will participate in the protest alongwith the villagers. The government should not be annoyed by my stand to support the villagers of Sanguem whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by this draft notification,” Phal Dessai told TOI.
Sanguem locals have threatened to take to the streets in protest if the government fails to address their concerns over the draft notification.
The Mhadei, Netravali, Cotigao, Bhagwan Mahavir and Bondla wildlife sanctuaries are proposed to be included in the eco-sensitive areas. Mining, red category polluting industries, building, construction, township and area development projects, and thermal plants will be among the projects prohibited in the eco-sensitive area.
Pointing out that 80-90 percent of the land in Sanguem is under green cover, Phal Dessai said: “Sanguem was dealt a big blow when the Netravali village was declared a wildlife sanctuary. There were settlers in the forests of Netravali for centuries. No thought was given to their livelihood issues. Then came the issue of buffer zones around wildlife sanctuaries that put further restrictions on any type of development works. And now comes this proposal of eco-sensitive area. Areas beyond the wildlife sanctuary have also been included in the eco-sensitive area. How are the villagers living in those forest areas expected to earn their living?”
Stating that he will persuade the state government to represent the case before the Union environment ministry, Phal Dessai said that he will also invite the governor’s attention to the issue. “They should give us a hearing before finalisation of the draft notification. Else it will be a grave injustice on the villagers,” he said.