I request you to read what is happening in the state of Goa. Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary (Mollem) is under terror. Here is a small contribution to our part.
As you can see from this map, the region in yellow is Goa & the red dot shows you the location of the sanctuary along the Eastern border of the state close to Karnataka.
This Sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, which are one of the 8 Biodiversity hotspots of the world
It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals which include:-
- Leopards
- Barking deer
- Bengal Tiger etc.
- The region also provides shelter to the state bird of Goa, the Ruby-Throated Bulbul.
Now let us come to the main talking point.
On 7th April 2020, a video conference was held in which the National board of wildlife in India gave its approval for the diversion of forest land for 3 projects which directly impact the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
These projects include:-
- Double tracking of the railway line from Castlerock to Kulem
- A Four-lane national highway
- 400 kV transmission line for electricity,
The 3 projects together would require cutting down about 35,000 trees in the region.
On average, a single tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people would need in an entire year. So, that means they're taking away the oxygen from 3.5 lakh people which makes up about 20% of Goa's entire population.
The decision to give a green signal to these projects seems to show complete disregard for the basic principles of democracy while also being deeply flawed both morally and environmentally.
In an already deteriorating environment, we're sacrificing an invaluable piece of nature for projects which are by no means the need of the hour.
These ill-conceived projects will spell ecological doom to critical habitats of Goa's only National Park. Our loss will be irreplaceable & not only Goa, but India will lose a wildlife corridor that supports large cats and innumerable endemic flora and fauna of the Western Ghats of India.
Happy Independence Day to our CM @DrPramodPSawant 🇮🇳 Here's hoping that the voices of the citizens of Goa do not go unheard and the democratic values of our Constitution are upheld!
— Save Mollem Campaign (@savemollemgoa) August 15, 2020
A video by @OreoScrumptious takes you through our irreplaceable Mollem💚https://t.co/yHE4f6EwUN