Environmental warriors rise to protect eco-sensitive villages https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Environmental-warriors-rise-to-protect-ecosensitive-villages/196935 The draft notification proposes to declare 99 villages as ecologically sensitive areas in three talukas of the Western Ghats. Speaking to Herald, several social warriors also claimed that none of the activities of tribals and other local communities are prohibited or regulated in the draft notification.
Stating that people of Loliem-Canacona won’t allow removal of their village from ESA, Denis Fernandes told Herald that Loliem is a highly eco-sensitive village. People of Loliem have already written to MOEF to include the village in the eco-sensitive area of the Western Ghats with adequate reasons and evidence.
“The land sharks who have bought huge areas of forest and eco-sensitive lands want to destroy our village with large projects which are prohibited in ESAs of the Western Ghats.
the Forest Minister had said that he wasn’t accepting the draft notification that proposed to declare 99 villages as ESA in three talukas of the Western Ghats.
https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/UTAA-demands-protection-of-tribals-living-in-ecosensitive-zone/196589 “Earlier around 100 villages and now around 56 villages proposed by government for eco-sensitive zones in the four talukas out of which 38 are in Sanguem and Dharbandora and rest in other talukas. After coming under Western Ghats, the villagers’ interest will be affected in many ways. There will be lot of restrictions on villagers including construction of roads, houses and other livelihood activities.
In reply: Abhijot P in whats app
Govt of Goa and BJP have employed all resources from 12th to create propaganda and a movement to oppose inclusion of 99 villages as WG ESA.
We are responding by organizing a fitting response and a movement for inclusion of more villages.
What is allowed in ESA?
1. Construction of houses, sheds, walls, buildings, schools, hospitals, markets, auditoriums, etc 2. Construction of roads, electricity lines, pipelines 3. Agriculture, felling of trees, poultry, grazing, collecting forest produce, commercial activities, non-polluting industries, tourism, services, etc
BASICALLY, ALL THE ACTIVITIES WE WANT!
From Kalanand:
Since WGEEP report came into existence these developments (?) Sharks are spreading misinformation and using their might against ESA.
What we have not done is to visit all these villages, hold the meetings with the village panchayats, and share true information about ESA. We need to create a support / follow up team of environmental organisations and environmentally sensitive individuals prior to visiting these villages. Protecting the ESA requires a state level strong initiatives with the active support of listed villages.