Goa awakens oHERALDo There is a wind of change, which is sweeping through Goa. A wind of change which is for the better and this wind of change may do Goa good in the long run if more and more Goans rise and fight the damage that is being done to the state. If one takes a close look, at Goa today, do not be surprised to notice people who are rising to protest the injustices that are happening and the wrong polices that are being carried out by the authorities. That is not all, people are fighting back to preserve and protect the environment. As result the susseguad attitude of Goans is fast disappearing as the local people have realised that unless they fight back, they will suffer tremendously. And the issues that they are fighting for, range from variety of issues big and small, from the obscure to the mighty and from short-term point of view to a long-term perspective. Yes, Goans have realised that unless they open their voice and shout their protests on the streets nothing will happen and Goa will slowly destruct.
As Claude Alvares, environmentalist commented on the rape of the Assagao hill caused by the illegal quarrying "unless the people get together nothing will happen.'' And that is what is happening in Goa. A new resurgence is sweeping through Goa as the people have realised that unless they band and fight the bigger evil, which is the evil of inaction by inept politicians, then Goa will slowly sink under its own mess. And these protests are happening all over Goa due to the lack of foresight by the authorities. In Honda it was the migrant issue, Saleli over pollution, Assagao and Chopdem the destruction of the environment and the nuisance caused by night markets, in Varca over a proposed golf course, in Gurim the villagers collectively said no to the proposed cricket stadium and in Panjim little children are coming out on the streets to fight over the garbage issue. The time for talking is over and now for the people of Goa it is time for action. And the message to the authorities is simple and clear - "if you cannot get your act together then we will keep reminding you about it and then embarrass you.'' Yes, Goa is awakening and the politician's better get ready for a new day.
