Panaji: Vasco MLA and South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) chairman, Krishna 'Daji' Salkar, voiced serious apprehension on Thursday regarding what he termed as "increasing public indifference towards environmental concerns." He emphasized that a persistent lack of active citizen engagement is severely hampering initiatives aimed at combating pollution and advancing sustainable development in the region.
Dwindling Public Participation at Critical Hearings
Addressing attendees at the International NetZero Summit held in Panaji, Salkar recounted a poignant example from a public hearing conducted several years ago in Vasco. The hearing focused on a "highly serious matter" involving polluting industries that impact local communities. He noted that while approximately 500 residents assembled on the inaugural day to voice their opposition and protest against these industries, the participation witnessed a sharp and alarming decline on the subsequent day.
"There are around 36,000 individuals in Vasco who are directly and adversely affected by the pollution emanating from these industrial operations, yet during the public hearing, there was an almost complete absence of attendees. This situation compels me to question whether we, as a society, are genuinely invested in these issues, or if we have succumbed to a sense of resignation, passively accepting whatever outcomes may unfold," Salkar remarked during his summit address.
Grassroots Awareness Essential for Meaningful Change
Characterizing the scenario as "deeply disheartening," Salkar elaborated that despite the government's vigorous promotion of green energy and various other eco-friendly projects, achieving substantial and lasting transformation remains unattainable without heightened public awareness and proactive involvement at the grassroots level. He underscored the critical need for environmental consciousness to permeate "the most fundamental strata" of society to foster genuine progress.
Drawing a comparative analogy with the nationally acclaimed Swachh Bharat Mission, Salkar observed that the cleanliness drive initially faced skepticism and mockery but gradually garnered widespread acceptance and participation over time. "Prime Minister Modi cannot single-handedly alter every circumstance. Unless each citizen comprehends their social obligations and takes corresponding action, no significant change will materialize," he asserted, highlighting the collective responsibility required for environmental stewardship.
Goa's Strategic Focus on Sustainable Planning
In his concluding remarks, Salkar affirmed that the Goa government is actively endeavoring to incorporate sustainability principles directly into the planning phases of development projects. This strategic approach aims to meticulously balance economic growth and infrastructural advancement with robust environmental protection measures, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable future for the state.
