PANJIM: Accusing the Goa government of shielding illegal mining in the state, the Goa Roman Catholic Church has asked people to "awaken" and save the hills, forests and tribals residing in the hinterland.
In a message to its flock on the occasion of Social Apostolate Day Oct 3, the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social arm of the Roman Catholic Church here, and Caritas, the Church's development arm, has accused the Congress-led coalition government in the state of "bad, insensitive governance".
"Should not the government have taken immediate steps to stop illicit mining activities? If this is not bad governance, what else is it? Goans, awaken and together save our hills, our forests, the ‘aam admi' of those areas and rest of us!," states the message titled 'Environmental Value of Biodiversity -- a Common Responsibility', a copy of which his available with a news agency.
The message is endorsed by CSJP executive secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes and Caritas director Fr Valeriano Vaz.
Calling mining in the state "illegal" and "immoral", the CSJP has also said that illegal mining for iron ore was rapidly destroying Goa and the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, in which 104 operational mines in Goa are located.
"Environmentally immoral and in many cases illegal mining for iron ore is rapidly destroying Goa," the message states.
The Church castigates the state's politicians, accusing them of being blind to the loss of traditional occupations and livelihood of farmers and others who earned on the produce of the forest.
"Statements by politicians that this industry provides jobs to a large number of people and hence must be permitted to prosper, reveal how little these persons in power are concerned about the irreparable destruction of the lower slopes of the Western Ghats, the devastating pollution of air, soil and water which threaten the basic health and well-being of the people of the area, including the labour force," the message states.
The Church in Goa is an influential organistion with over 25 percent of the state population being Christian.
Illegal and unchecked mining is a sensitive issue in Goa, with both civil society groups and the opposition voicing their concern about the issue repeatedly. According to data submitted in the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly, ore worth Rs 4,000 crore was illegally mined and exported out of Goa to countries like China, Japan and Romania.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar claims that nearly 18 percent of Goa's total 40 million mining output comprised of illegally mined ore. He has also accused Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and several of his cabinet ministers of being in hand-in-glove with the illegal mining industry. - IANS
Wow! Wow!! Wow!! Now the Church is come into poliltics. I don't even know what else to comment on with this affluent organization. God Bless us all and keep us safe from these traitors.
ReplyDeleteWhat about saving the Church properties? Can they give a call to the buyers of Church property to return it back? Why is there no clarification from the Church about the scam in Vanxi?
ReplyDeleteAs dlp said, the voice of the Church is now acting like the politicians to divert the real issues. Priests are now busy innagurating the campaigns and offices of these same politicians, can the Bishop see that?
Mr. dlp do not try to make fun of everything and everyone and everytime. I have observed you at times you are acting funny and sarcastic. What the Church is saying is true, because the nature is being destroyed by these mines. Why do you have objections when the church is condemning mining along with all of us. Do not show you have a very narrow mentality. Be optimistic.
ReplyDeleteYES - Fr Maverick Fernandes and Caritas Director Fr Valeriano Vaz are right in pronouncing the truth. These are the true sons of Goan soil while others have already sold our mother land to the big sharks. Think about the environment it has created in Goa. These corrupt politicians are completely greedy and frenzy to collect more riches. Out of 10 people involved in this trade may be only 2 Goans get a chance to do business (i.e. digging, hauling by land & sea etc.) otherwise rest are all Ghantis, who have built their empires and are dictating terms to the rightly Goan people. During the election time, they give huge money and make the politicians shut their mouths and the rest is done by them freely. Hope this message reaches to every corner of Goa to everyone involved in this trade to beware and wait for their fate. Viva Goa, Viva Goenkara.
ReplyDeleteI am a funny man Mr. Kankonkar from Panaji. Can you broaden my narrow mentality a little bit? Like from Kankona to Panaji??? I am against the church and priests commenting on politics. Priests have their jobs to do just like the politicians have theirs and you and me have ours. Understand?
ReplyDeletePlease realize this is not a political issue. It is an environmental issue. The destruction that is taking place is like Pakistan dropping bombs on Goa....yet, people don't mind. If Pakistan had done a fraction of the damage that mining has done in Goa, lots of blood would be shed. Yet, we are okay with all the destruction when it is at our own hands. The people in charge in Goa are illiterates....uneducated, they don't see or have the intelligence to the see the future. Groundwater in Goa is being destroyed...water, the only sustaining element to life. Fields and rivers are being destroyed with runoff from mining. It ends up in our drinking water. Our people in Goa do NOT want to do the right thing. Their selfish attitude and greed will destroy Goa. They should consider finding other jobs apart from mining. Do tourism jobs and fishing....all outsiders are being brought to do those jobs…why?. I am happy we have good priests that will stand up for injustice and to preserve the environment. But I also want the Bishop of Goa to answer to charges about the land that was sold to non-Goans! I will not back down on that issue. I appeal to the good priests to come forward to tell us the truth about it all, as only then we can move forward and stop it from happening again. Lazy politicians who support mining should be throw out, as they cannot diversity our people into other jobs, they are too lazy to find alternatives....all donkeys if you ask me. Sadly the people in Goa choose to elect people with little education and no intelligence.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Chandrakant Kankonkar from Panjim on the blog. Nice to know that you have been reading the Niz Goenkar blog since long and noting the writers. But all the time, looks like nothing pinched your mind except the comments of dlp. Are you the mouthpiece of the destructors of Goa including the Palace at Altinho. Where was the Church except Fr Maverick for a while to raise issues against drugs? Why is the Church silent on the Vanxim issue? What happened to the Church and silent when it comes to immorality of the politicians, by the own Catholic politicians? Where is the Church to raise it's head when numerous crimes are commited against mankind in Goa by the politicians? Chandrakant, can you provide some light on these and other issues? For me and many others, Church should either directly or indirectly not get involved with the politicians or preach for them when it suits both sides. Finally, Kudos to Trevor for sheding more light that may enlighten many narrow minds.
ReplyDeleteNo Miss Dalia, I have nothing against dlp, I know that he fights for the rights but if we keep on condemning every good that tries to come out that is not good. Good can come out of bad also and I do not think that your Church is a bad organisation. Leave a few, who are also humans like us. Most of the priests are very very good persons, law abiding and very pious. So you should know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dalia for broadening my mind! I don't think I have to respond any further to any Kankonkars or Panajikars. Our Goa is our Goa and we will fight for Goa without fighting in between oursleves. I know many may be reading our comments and sleeping on them. If these guys could come forward, it would really help our cause.
ReplyDeleteSee Mr. dlp, I have nothing against you, and I have debated the situation in a very gentlemanly manner. I think this is the way it should be and you too use the same ways to debate a topic. I did not use any rash or insulting words towards you. I do like your views but not this particular view. So I put it up in a nice way. You should not be saying that you do not have to respond to any Kankonkars or Panajikars. This is wrong. It does not matter if I am wrong but you can correct me in befitting manner. You do not have to get angry or dejected. I never meant to hurt your feelings and like you I am a Niz Goenkar on your side against the corrupts and thieves of Goa though I am not a christian. So do not take me for granted because I am a Goan who loves Goa.
ReplyDeleteC. Kankonkar... I am happy that you are on our side. That is enough for me! I dont't want to listen to your sermons! Either be with us or be agaisst us. It's your choice!
ReplyDelete@Chandrakant Kankonkar wellcome to the blog as you said yourselves a nizgoenkar. See the things are like in Goa that we are fed up with the priest as they are connected with something or the other.Some priest are with Churchill, Mickey, etc after knowing all the things they are involved in.So thats the reason dlp comments are so.Even I like the way you presented yourselves and I would appreciate if you give your hand to fight against corruption. Please do not mind as I write to you and again you are welcome on the site.. this is your site and who is nizgoenkar are all welcome
ReplyDeleteChandrakant Kankonkar you were like the Daniel in the lion’s den, you just went from a molton rock to a liquid state, I pity you.
ReplyDeleteThese adverse and damaging episodes are not a rare encounter on NIZ GOENKAR’s forum. I am a Goan, born and raised in Mumbai and have seen the in and out of diversity. I realize you all are up to the mark on the news, views and in the proximity of every article that is commented. I also gather that you find it difficult to see someone speak differently on a subject that is on the right path. Well, in here it is always the negative effect that is relayed by these arrogant and hired mouthpieces with the mentality of a domesticated pedigreed stock that are paid to bark and are far away up in the hills of illusion. These are characteristics of antagonism and dreadful mentality who at all times jump to negative conclusion to eternity. The exterior texture is just a betrayal to ones eyes; who think of themselves with affectations of superiority. Their brains works just like those during the early Portugues era with one race and one religion. These guys are racist to the core and have never lived to distinguish right from wrong hence, it is all a waste of time.
I see them either coming in from some African wild life reserves or from the Mongor hills of South Goa.
Johnads, I am sorry to say that you are too sarcastic in your opinion of others. Between us there could have been a misunderstanding or may be his attitude is just like yours. This is not the way to debate a topic. It has to be amicably. So once again sorry your approach is wrong as everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. That should not make anyone angry and call others names. If we behave like you there won't be a solution to the problem faced in Goa.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad Johnads, you have shown your true colours. It is very uncalled for you to resort to name calling and denigrating your own people. If you are truly a Goan, you would not do that. Everyone is passionate about their homeland, and that is why they invest the time to write in. Some are helpless because they can't be in Goa to help. Don't treat them like outsiders. And to be perfectly honest, since you started this, I do find a difference be the Goans brought up in Mumbai; they do have more of 'indian' mentality than a ‘Goan’ mentality. If you look at all the construction of blocks and block of flats done in Goa, it was mostly mumbai Goans. They overbuilt and sold to outsiders, they developed that greed for money, a trait found growing up in Mumbai. So please don't preach about other Goans doing bad. Look within your own Goans from Mumbai. I can give you hundreds of examples of Goans from Mumbai that came back to Goa to exploit and grow rich. You all grew up differently; you all just don't know it!!! You all are the people that don't know right from wrong. To many of the Mumbai Goans are greedy for money...I have enough evidence to back it up to show you in Goa, so I am not making blanket statements here. It would have been better if you all never returned! Please get the ‘indian’ out of you and be more ‘Goan’ first!It that means being racist than I don't know what else to tell you!
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad Johnads, you have shown your true colours. It is very uncalled for you to resort to name calling and denigrating your own people. If you are truly a Goan, you would not do that. Everyone is passionate about their homeland, and that is why they invest the time to write in. Some are helpless because they can't be in Goa to help. Don't treat them like outsiders. And to be perfectly honest, I do find a difference be the Goans brought up in Mumbai, they do have more of 'indian' mentality than a ‘Goan’ mentality. If you look at all the construction of blocks and block of flats done in Goa, it was mostly mumbai Goans. They overbuilt and sold to outsiders, they developed that greed for money, a trait found growing up in Mumbai. So please don't preach about other Goans doing bad. Look within your own Goans from Mumbai. I can give you hundreds of examples of Goans from Mumbai that came back to Goa to exploit and grow rich. You all grew up differently; you all just don't know it!!! You all are the people that don't know right from wrong. To many of the Mumbai Goans are greedy for money...I have enough evidence to back it up to show you in Goa, so I am not making blanket statements here. It would have been better if you all never returned! Please get the ‘indian’ out of you and be more ‘Goan’ first!
ReplyDeleteJohnads, sorry to ask you, where are the MONGOR hills in South Goa? I am from South Goa and never heard of these hills. You are at times acting off balance and I do not understand your motive. You need a good check-up. If you are a Goan born and raised in Mumbai? Woh, what kind of Goan are you and what is your eligibility to call yourself a Goan when you may not know anything about Goa? What a joke.
ReplyDeleteWeather its the good the bad or the ugly that object mining in Goa , it does not matter to me as long its being condemed. However if some have to support the industry as it provides employment I would gracefully debate on the issue. Mining is like a sword cutting our beautiful mother land.Chandrakant Kankonkar you are a gentelman and I am with you. Goans are always decent and pious by nature.
ReplyDeleteGuys... the war is over! We are all one, Hindus, Muslims, Christians as long as we are all Niz Goenkars and fight together, and not against, for our beloved motherland Goa. Read my poetry "Niz Goenkar" on the Amcho Gaum page of Niz Goenkar and you will understand my true feelings. Sometimes we tend to get carried away, but these things happens. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone's feelings. "Gottean astoch xingak xing adoutach! Kitem koruia?? Amcho ekvott samballpachi, hi moji khori euzonn."
ReplyDeleteJohnads, wish I could talk to you and see if you really know Konkani and feel if you are real and niz Goenkar. You claim otherwise from your comments above. If your love for Goa is with mix signals, it is deem to create confusion. We like to remain Niz Goenkars, to the core. Your instigation to Chandrakant is bad enough as Chandrakant himself wrote his mind after realizing our cause, he did not melt down like a MOLTON rock. And by the way, where are the MONGOR HILLS in South Goa? I live in North so want to gain knowledge about South Goa. I don't know how you got these places, is it on the Google Earth?
ReplyDeleteThis johnads is just like TWP or is he??? Trying to divide us by pointing fingers in different directions. If we stick to our cause, these johnads's will come and go just like we have seen many of them in the past. Chandrakant.. let us leave our misunderstanding aside and fight what we are fighting for.
ReplyDeleteThis man johnads is very funny. His behaviour is very bad and unfitting for a debater. He has not politeness at all. Everyone on this forum is polite and considerate towards negative stances. But this man seems to be playing his own tunes and is under the influence that he is above all in superiority. One can definitely contradict but not like this. Is he someone barged in here by politicians? Or is he a politician himself in guise of johnads. This shows the mentality of the Bombay Goans.
ReplyDeleteShyam... He might be TWP but I won't comment unless I am sure. My only feeling is that he is either one of the corrupt politicians or a puppet planted by the politicians to divide us Niz Geonkars. What is he doing in Bombay? In-charge of one of the Red Light areas. It looks like that the way he talks. Let us stay united and fight for our Beloved Goa. Keep it up Mr. Menino Fernandes. Viva Niz Goenkar. We are with you till the end!!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Joao... Where are you??? I have very high respect for your comments and we need people like you on this forum. I am not saying this because you support me. I am open to any critism as long as it is constructive and supports our cause. We need you Mr. Joao and people like you!
ReplyDeleteDear Readers, I would like to put some light on Mangor Hill. Yes there is place called Mangor Hill in Vasco where there is a small hill within the vicinity of Vasco where all the Ghantis have built their huts. I think Johnass is one of them staying in that locality, that is why his mentally is like crabs.
ReplyDeletejohnass comes from the MOLTON Rocks of MONGOR hills born and brought up in Mumbai....che...che...che, shut up you whispering from my back? That's a bad phrase to use. Sorry, I was just minding my pal behind me. He is one of our brother who sometimes derails the topic but welcome back brother, be back on the track.
ReplyDeleteI am back on the track Dalia! Sorry to have derailed you, but sometimes I can't help it! I guess I am a bad conductor. And with what is going on, I am getting worse. What to do????
ReplyDeleteTo Johnads,
ReplyDeleteThe weird articles you write in some high faluting English is done in a manner that only makes sense and appeals to you.For an understanding of the word High Faluting...here is the dictionary meaning...1. Highly pompous, bombastic (speech). 2. Showing off, ostentatious, pretending to be above one's station in life, putting on airs.
1. Someone who thinks that using high-falutin' words will convince people that he/she is a high-class person.
Perhaps some simple meaningful English words may serve you better.
To Johnads::::You seem to contradict yourself in your articles and comments.To suggest that the Goan Electorate is illiterate demonstrates that you do not write with any great authority on on the subject of illeteracy and are unable to provide any facts.If you are suggesting that all Goan Voter are illiterate, have you considered you are one of them too.If you are suggesting that the "only" Goan that is intelligent and is able to speak "on the right path" is you, than you must be delusional.The people that are affected by the happenings in Goa are the Goans that live there.Surely they have a right to express what concerns them.You on the other hand,living in Mumbai,pretending to be a "HELL OF A DUDE",is the only person that seems to believe that the Politicians are the good guys.How come you are living in Mumbai if the politicians are doing a very good job in Goa.In another comment you suggest they are bad guys.The boat you are sailing in, is unstable...an in time will sink.
ReplyDeleteI think Chandrakant Kankonkar is a very decent guy.He has just been misunderstood.You have refered him as Daniel in the Lions den .I am again not sure what you mean by Chandrakant has turned from "Molten Rock" to a liquid state.Are you aware that Molten Rock is a liquid state of Magma(melted rock) from a volcano.Some of the words you have used in your comment are out of context and do not convey any meaning.Perhaps you should consider writing in simple and basic english.It may make more sense of what you are trying to express.
DLP, I'm here. I came home after a 12 hour shift and just got up-to-date with NIZ GOENKAR. I read your NIZ GOENKAR on the Amcho Gaum section of NIZ GOENKAR. Its commendable. It shows true love of a person for his motherland. It injects love, affection and care in others for their motherland. Yes, our Motherland, our Goa. Here's last two lines from your poem.
ReplyDelete.......Amcho ekvott samballunk fuddem sorla amcho “Niz Goenkar”
Taka amcho ghot tenko divunk sogle soroia mukar"
Viva goa !!
Welcome back Joao! I can understand you are busy. But whenever you find same free time, try to be with us. There is nothing better to strenghthen our "EKVOTT". Thank youu for your comments on my poetry. It came truly and sincerely deep from my heart. We are all one, but there are many traitors too and we should thread cautiously.
ReplyDelete