World Environment Day: Chodankar Slams BJP Over Destruction of Goa’s Forests, Hills, Rivers
Panaji, June 5, 2026: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has launched a scathing attack on the BJP Government led by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, accusing it of orchestrating the systematic destruction of Goa’s environment while engaging in tokenism and public relations exercises.
Girish Chodankar stated that no government in Goa’s history has spoken more about environmental protection while simultaneously presiding over such large-scale destruction of forests, hills, water bodies and natural ecosystems.
“Today, the BJP Government is planting a few saplings before television cameras while allowing forests to be cleared, hills to be mutilated, natural resources to be handed over to vested interests and Goa’s ecological heritage to be sacrificed in the name of development and Section 39A. This is not environmental protection; it is environmental deception,” Chodankar said.
He remarked that celebrating World Environment Day while facilitating ecological destruction throughout the year is like observing a fast while feasting all day.
“The BJP Government has reduced environmental protection to a publicity event. Behind every photo opportunity lies another attack on Goa’s fragile ecology. The people of Goa can clearly see through this hypocrisy,” he added.
Chodankar asserted that if Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant is genuinely serious about protecting Goa’s environment, he must immediately abandon policies that have weakened environmental safeguards and encouraged unplanned development.
The GPCC President demanded:
* Immediate scrapping of Section 39A.
* Preparation of a scientifically planned and people-centric Regional Plan through consultations with eminent environmental experts, planners, local bodies and the people of Goa.
* Immediate removal of offshore casinos from the Mandovi River and restoration of the river’s ecological integrity.
* Stronger protection for Goa’s forests, hills, wetlands, water bodies and ecologically sensitive zones.
Chodankar said that Goa’s environment is not the private property of politicians, builders, land sharks and vested interests.
“Goa belongs to its people. Our forests, rivers, fields, hills and coastline are not commodities to be traded away for political convenience and commercial profits. Every attack on Goa’s environment is an attack on the future of our children and future generations.”
He warned that the people of Goa will hold the BJP Government accountable for every forest destroyed, every hill cut, every water body damaged and every environmentally destructive decision taken in the name of development.
“The biggest threat to Goa’s environment today is not climate change alone; it is the BJP Government’s reckless and insensitive approach to governance. Goa deserves sustainable development, transparency and environmental justice—not ecological destruction disguised as progress,” Chodankar concluded.
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