The recent announcement regarding the nationalization of some of the rivers in our small state of Goa has impacted the breathing pattern of a few politicians and a large section of NGOs as well as ordinary folks. Why are a great number of people gasping for breath?
The Central government, according to one minister, has not made its river nationalization policy clear. While some people instantly conclude it is a case of smoke and mirrors, I cannot accept it blindly. An eminent scholar at Goa University however is suspicious because there has been no mention of fisheries, an important traditional occupation in Goa. While Delhi and fishing are a distance away from Goa, in our society fish is a staple diet and no Goan can imagine life without fish and fish curry, which for the uninitiated is almost a second religion. By religion, of course, we may be Roman Catholic, Hindu or Muslim but by culture we are fish eaters. People who ignore this fact surely will be accused of fishing in troubled waters. As the posters outside hotel rooms proclaim - Do No Disturb - the people of Goa also warn outsiders not to disturb the communal harmony in our state. Rivers need to be dredged whenever necessary; this much is understandable and acceptable by the majority of people in Goa. What is breeding fear is the post-operation scenario: How will the rivers be used after the dredging and clean up operation is over? Some politicians imagine a dark scenario where they see our rivers in our popular tourism state being used as a water route to carry coal. Others see iron ore on countless barges and are quick to mention that the mining silt in our rivers to begin with is one of the causes for the poor condition of our rivers nowadays. Will the cycle begin all over again? Another group sees a hidden agenda where the nationalization of our rivers is merely a clearing house for a great number of river-side houses, expensive yachts, and maybe even casinos. All these issues need to be clarified prior to the elections by the Central government so the people of Goa can be informed voters in 2017 state elections. Goan identity and cultural traditions are ten fingers on our two hands. They are a part and parcel of our body and soul. If the issues are not resolved this state will experience a lot of sound and fury which is not welcome at the height of the tourist season and soon to come state elections. It will damage Goa's image internationally and undo the positive and highlighted image of Goa thanks to BRICS. The Central government needs to present a clear-cut policy on the nationalization of Goa's rivers, and only clarity will be good enough and nothing less. At the moment, there is a trust deficit and a strong element of fear and suspicion, and unless it is taken care of properly, the nationalization of Goa's rivers might make for a bad relationship between the Center and the people of the State. It is something which is definitely unnecessary.