Hosted by Arpitha Kodiveri
Edited by Nidhi Rejithlal
In June 2020, the National Board for Wildlife virtually cleared three linear projects through ecologically sensitive areas in Goa — The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. These projects include a double-track railway line, a four-lane highway expansion, and a 400 kV transmission line.
The projects have been the subject of intense protests and criticisms for the damage they will have on these wildlife areas. In a win for the protestors, on April 23rd, the Supreme Court-appointed central empowered committee (CEC) slammed the railway project, saying it was ‘unjustified’ and ‘potentially destructive’. Against this context, Arpitha Kodiveri, a Doctoral Candidate at the European University Institute speaks to Anamika Gode, Environmental Lawyer with Goa Foundation explains how citizens are using the courts to save Mollem.
Featured Image courtesy Save Mollem
