Centre govt's move to nationalise Goa rivers disastrous: GFP

Goa Forward Party (GFP) today termed the Central government's "move" to "nationalise" six rivers in the state as the "worst catastrophe awaiting Goans."
GFP president Prabhakar Timble also appealed to all the political parties to protest against the nationalisation of rivers in the state irrespective of their internal differences.
"Nationalisation of six rivers of Goa, namely Mandovi, Zuari, Mapusa, Chapora, Sal and Cumbharjua for converting them into highways of shipping is the worst catastrophe facing Goans which will adversely affect marine ecology, fish output, fishermen community and tourism industry," he told reporters here.
Timble expressed apprehension that Goa will lose all its rivers as they would be reduced to waterways.

He appealed to Goans and all political parties to come together on a common platform to "resist the sellout of Goa's lifeline and oppose this backdoor privatisation under public-private partnership (PPP) of rivers in the name of nationalisation."
He said the issue was not a "petty" one which was being raised for deriving political mileage ahead of the 2017 polls.

"Goa Forward Party appeals to all 'goemkars' (Goans) to rise above their political affiliations and join the protests and agitations to force the state government to halt nationalisation of rivers," he added.
GFP chief spokesman Prashant Naik recalled the calling attention motion moved in Goa Legislative Assembly by independent MLA and GFP mentor Vijai Sardesai who had drawn attention of the House to the threats to bio-diversity and marine wealth including the imminent danger of "fish-less" Goa.

"The Chief Minister had assured to hold consultation with stake-holders before signing of the MoU with Central government and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
"The state government has already communicated about its approval to the Centre and is moving ahead with the MoU keeping all Goans in the dark about their future," he added.