Ecologist, who predicted Kerala-floods in 2011, says Goa next
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has said Goa may face a similar deluge like Kerala if precautions aren't taken. Notably, Gadgil, who headed government formed Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), had in 2011 underlined many areas in Kerala as 'ecologically sensitive'. The state is facing its worst flood in 80 years. More than 300 people have died, and over 6L are staying in relief camps.
According to Gadgil, greed for enormous profit is a reason
Gadgil said that though Goa doesn't have the Western Ghats as high as Kerala, it will also face all kinds of environmental problems. He blamed greed for enormous profits, which goes unchecked, for environment calamities. "Those who are making money through these means are even more effective in getting the government to allow this kind of rampant illegal behavior," he elaborated.
Illegal mining generating Rs. 35,000 crore profit, tells Gadgil
Highlighting the findings of Union government-constituted Justice MB Shah Commission, Gadgil said a profit of Rs. 35,000 crore is generated through illegal mining. Gadgil went on to say every EIA hid facts about the impact of hydrological mining. "On 'sadas' (plains) of Goa there are a lot of streams which are originating but they don't mention about them in their EIA reports," he added.
Illegal forest land acquisition, reason behind Kerala floods: Gadgil
Speaking about Kerala, Gadgil said the committee had made recommendations. It had asked the government to keep a check on mining, construction of high-rise buildings and illegal forest land acquisition. Gadgil added that for stone quarrying and mining, 1,650 excavators were deployed, but only 150 were legal. He added the committee was 'boycotted', as they recommended to stop illegal activities.
Something should be done at least now, Gadgil says
"The government should at least now stop all the illegal stone quarrying activities after having faced the consequences. Although it is late, the government must act on the recommendations," said Gadgil as he called Kerala floods a 'man-made' disaster.
