Sample letter to your local MLA opposing the destruction of Mollem National Park

Hon’ble (INSERT NAME OF MLA),                                                                                 Date:(INSERT DATE)

Under Article 51-A (g) of the Constitution of India, it is the duty of every Citizen of India to protect the environment,which includes forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife. Article 48 of The Constitution of India mandates that “the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife.” It’s my duty to remind you of this because you represent me in the Goa State Assembly. 

The Centre has proposed three major linear infrastructure projects that will destroy the fragile forest ecology of the Western Ghats on Goa’s eastern border; all passing through Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: 1.The widening of the existing highway from Molem to Anmod (destroying 20,340 trees) 2.Double tracking of railway line from Collem to Castlerock (destroying 22,882 trees) 3. Electrical transmission line passing through the same forest (destroying 15,772 trees) 

All these projects cut across a contiguous forest that is home and habitat to tigers, elephants and other endemic and endangered wildlife. Renowned ecologists like Madhav Gadgil, K Kasturiranjan and Nandkumar Kamat have at various times demanded protection of this forest area. As environmentally conscious citizens, you and I cannot allow this destruction to happen. 

These projects come from taxpayer money and we have a right to know the costs and benefits of all these three projects. As two of them were given virtual clearances during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, without public consultation and without sharing the agenda with the Goa State Wildlife Board members until the day of the meeting, it seems that due process has not been followed for these project clearances. Other details that have emerged in the newspapers are also troubling, such as the inaccurate data on wildlife presented in the EIAs, or worse, the fact that the record of the minutes of the meeting does not make reference to the impact assessments at all. 

At a time when it has become clear that there are irremediable costs to the destruction of forests and wild habitats, which affect everything from public health to water security to the quality of the air we breathe, it is unconscionable to justify the damage to Mollem in the name of development. 

I urge you to demand accountability for these projects as a responsible representative of the people. A majority of the citizens feel these projects are unnecessary and a waste of money. Many of us fear that the government is using the Covid-19 crisis to approve of projects which are not in the best interest of the people of Goa. 

The citizens of (NAME OF CONSTITUENCY), have reposed their faith in you as their representative, and we believe you will live upto that faith. 

I request you to please raise my apprehensions on the floor of the House during the forthcoming Assembly session. 

Sincerely, (NAME and ADDRESS)