The undersigned
organisations and individuals strongly condemns attempts of the State
Government in collusion with vested interests to tag Rama Kankonkar and Arturo D’Souza - well known for their activities in defence of ecology and environment
– based on letter inward at Agassaim Police Station. This fact came to light
when few days ago Rama Kankonkar was called at the Agassaim Police Station
after serving call letter. It is fundamental duty of every citizen of India to
protect environment under Article 51-A(g) of the Constitution of India. However
over the past few years Rama Kankonkar as well as Arturo D’Souza has been
harassed and subjected to private violence making mockery of the law and order
situation in Goa while engaged in task of environment protection especially
with regard inclusion of PDAs to urbanise, protection of Chimbel lake from
proposed IT park and movement to protect Bondvol lake at Santa Cruz village and
get it recognise as Wetland.
Both Arturo and Rama are also outspoken about the
illegal fishing in Zuari River by use of trawl nets and purse seine nets and
offered their support to traditional fishing community using Gill nets.
Currently Rama and Arturo are contributing immensely towards study of Coastal
Management Plan (CZM) that is to come up for Public Hearing on July 07, 2019,
and creating awareness in different parts of Goa specially Tiswadi. Rama
Kankonkar is also courageous to expose CRZ violations carried on the banks of
Cumbharjua River by brother of Goa’s Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte.
The undersigned
organisations and individuals strongly condemn today afternoon’s act of
violence on Rama Kankonkar’s private car parked at his residence in Curca
suffering damage. This act of violence is carried on in order to instill fear
and silence vibrant voice of Rama Kankonkar. This latest attack not only
reflects growing frustration of the vested corporate interests out to destroy
environment of Tiswadi Taluka but also collapse of the Law and Order machinery
in the State of Goa. Goa’s Home Minister must resign immediately as he has
failed to provide adequate security to Rama Kankonkar.
We pledge our support to
Rama Kankonkar who is also the office bearer of GAKUVED and Arturo D’Souza till
Justice is done, violence stops, Environment protected, ecology restored and
urbanising trends reversed.
