Press Statement in support of Rama Kankonkar and Arturo D’Souza

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.