Goa Khabar : On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in Goa raised serious concerns over the environmental degradation taking place across the state. From river pollution and destruction of sand dunes to threats to traditional agriculture and unchecked development, AAP leaders demanded immediate and comprehensive action from the government to preserve Goa’s natural heritage.
Sal River in Distress: Immediate Action Needed
AAP Velim MLA Engg. Cruz Silva expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of the Sal River, once a vital waterway for South Goa. He said that untreated sewage and solid waste from nearby urban areas and industries are severely polluting the river, leading to declining water quality and death of aquatic life.
> “The existence of traditional fishing, shellfish, and aquatic species is at risk. Uncontrolled weed growth and encroachments along the riverbank are disrupting its natural flow and reducing its self-purification capacity,” said MLA Cruz Silva.
He warned that the environmental decline is directly threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen and traditional agriculture, and called for a comprehensive action plan to save the Sal River and its surrounding ecosystem.
Coastal Creeks Need Protection : MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas
AAP Benaulim MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas emphasized the urgent need for the Water Resources Department (WRD) to notify all 23 coastal creeks under the Irrigation Act and implement a long-term eco-restoration plan.
> “These 20,000-year-old natural drainage lifelines are essential to prevent sea-level rise and flooding. We must protect their catchment areas, ensure natural tidal flushing, and restore oxygenation levels with local community involvement,” said Capt. Viegas.
He also stressed the importance of conserving sand dunes, describing them as natural barriers that protect the coast from erosion and storms. While praising the dune restoration work in Colva and Cansaulim, he criticized the allocation of coastal land for luxury hotel constructions:
> “Those who once permitted destruction of dunes for hotels are now pretending to raise their voices to protect them,” he said.
Khazan Lands Under Threat : Prof. Ramrao Wagh
Environmental activist and academic Prof. Ramrao Wagh raised an alarm over the destruction of Goa’s Khazan agricultural lands, a traditional and sustainable farming system that dates back centuries.
> “This engineering marvel is under constant threat from illegal land conversions, so-called development, and fish mafia activities,” he said.
Prof. Wagh highlighted that more than 6,000 hectares of Khazan lands have already been converted, leading to widespread damage. He also pointed out recent instances of toxic waste dumping in Agassaim, which has endangered aquatic life and polluted rivers like Zuari.
Selfish Development is Destroying Goa : Ceceill Rodrigues
AAP Taleigao leader Ceceill Rodrigues delivered a powerful message on the dangers of unregulated development.
> “Field filling, landfilling, and hill-cutting are rampant in Taleigao and across Goa. This destruction is selfish and short-sighted,” she said.
She highlighted the environmental consequences:
Flooding due to loss of water absorption areas
Landslides caused by destruction of hills
Water stagnation and rise in waterborne diseases
Rodrigues called for a shift to sustainable development that respects agricultural land, natural habitats, and the well-being of citizens.
A Call for Unity and Action
On World Environment Day, AAP Goa leaders urged the government and citizens to:
Take immediate action to protect rivers, dunes, and natural habitats
Hold authorities accountable for environmental damage
Adopt sustainable practices in everyday life
Safeguard Goa’s natural heritage for future generations
> “Let us join hands to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all,” concluded Ceceill Rodrigues.
