Goa. Sunshine state. The land of sea, surf and leisure.
But India’s sunshine state is also home to a rich, biodiverse ecosystem. Which is now under threat. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, situated in the Western Ghats in Goa, are in danger.Three major projects were approved during the Covid-19 lockdown in these eco-sensitive zones, without public consultations.
These controversial projects pass through Goa’s largest protected area and will lead to the chopping down of 59,024 trees in and around the wildlife sanctuary and National park. Hectares of forest land will be destroyed leading to loss of biodiversity and endangering the variety of plant and animal species that the forest has.
Massive protests have unfolded ever since. Here is a quick timeline of events.
January 29, 2020
July 14, 2020
July 18, 2020
321 students raise concerns over the proposed infrastructure projects in Goa.
July 20, 2020
July 22, 2020
July 23, 2020:
AAP lends its support to the movement.
July 31, 2020
August 2, 2020
Prerna Singh Bindra, former member, Standing Committee for National Board for Wildlife, writes to the CEC of the Supreme Court
August 27, 2020
300 distressed villagers write to Prakash Javadekar on proposed projects in Mollem forest areas.
September 5, 2020
Teachers from the state write to wildlife board over likely damage by Mollem infrastructure projects
September 15, 2020
October 5, 2020
Prakash Javadekar feigns ignorance on opposition for Mollem projects.
October 10, 2020
In a letter to the Centre, Curtorim MLA slams Javadekar on Mollem protests.
October 14, 2020
October 17, 2020
Goans stage silent walk in London on Mollem issue.
October 28, 2020
Double-tracking work for south western railways begins amid protests
October 29, 2020
Railways sets March as the deadline for trial run on Chandor-Margao double track.
November 1, 2020
Chandor protests Thousands of protesters gather midnight against the infrastructure projects
November 6, 2020
FIR issued against chandor protestors.
November 17, 2020
Particles suspected to be coal found on Goa beaches
November 19, 2020
November 27, 2020
Two anti-double-tracking activists summoned by Maina Curtorim Police
December 1, 2020