Let social equity and environmental protection be hallmarks of Goa’s development
On Goa’s 40th Statehood Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that “Goa has the potential to emerge as a global model for sustainable, innovation-led growth, clean energy, marine economy, cultural preservation and quality of life”. He said this in a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, adding that the “coming times present immense opportunities for Goa”.
He also said that “preserving Goa’s ecological balance and cultural identity will always remain at the core of all our development efforts”. Importantly, Modi also said, “Goa’s growth must continue to be rooted in sustainability and sensitivity towards local communities.”
On the same day, at the state-level celebration of Goa Statehood Day, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan stressed the need for sustainable development and called for efforts to preserve Goa’s coastline, ecology, rivers, forests and heritage. He also spoke of inclusive development for every section of society. The Vice-President said Goa could emerge as a national model of sustainable coastal development. Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju also said that Goa has the potential to become a model state for sustainable and inclusive growth.
It is clear from all their statements, and much appreciated, that the Prime Minister, the Vice-President and the Governor want Goa to have a sustainable model of growth.
Sustainability is how we must live today for a better tomorrow, by meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. “The survival of our societies and our shared planet depends on a more sustainable world,” says the United Nations. It consists of three core pillars and involves a balancing act to achieve economic growth, environmental protection and social equity.
Economic stability focuses on fostering innovation, green technology and job creation to support long-term prosperity without depleting natural resources. Environmental protection involves using natural resources responsibly to prevent pollution, conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Social equity can be achieved by ensuring that all people have access to fundamental human rights, decent healthcare and education, and equal opportunities. The three need to be in tandem.
The use of ‘sustainable development’ cannot be merely rhetorical. It has to be seen on the ground. Sustainability, transparency and job creation are words frequently used by local politicians in their speeches. Over the past two to three decades, green activists, NGOs and citizens have been fighting successive governments over sustainable development. The government, on the other hand, boasts of “massive development”. No doubt a lot of infrastructure has been created in the past seven to eight years. However, ecological destruction has also happened at the same pace, according to environmentalists. Many times, Goa sees village-level protests, mainly because transparency has been thrown to the winds. The state government needs to show its renewed commitment to sustainability, prosperity and social harmony.
To truly become a “national model of sustainable coastal development”, Goa must rigorously enforce Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws. There have been flagrant violations of CRZ rules, especially in North Goa. The Birch nightclub tragedy exposed how the government works in coastal areas. Statements about “tough action” were made, but how many have been implemented is the question.
Let’s hope that the state government will go by what the Prime Minister and the Vice-President have said. The people of Goa will appreciate if the Centre ensures that Goa’s growth is “rooted in sustainability”.
