BJP MP calls environmental activists as ‘agents of Goa government', told to apologise

The Hindu

2 days ago

Environment activists protesting against Mahadayi basin projects in Karnataka have demanded an apology from BJP MP Jagadish Shettar for calling them 'agents of Goa government'.
'The statement by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, branding eminent environmentalists of Belagavi as 'agents of the Goa government', is not only shameful, it is a deliberate attack on truth, dignity, and the democratic voice of the people. The MP should immediately issue a public apology,' activist Sujit Mulgund said in Belagavi on June 2.
He told reporters that the activists who Mr. Shettar had termed agents are respected personalities who had worked hard for decades to protect and preserve the environment.
They include
Dileep Kamat who has been involved in selfless activism for over 60 years. He has worked with Baba Amte and saved 80,000 acres of forest from exploitation by corporates and others.
Shivajirao Kaganikar, who is known as the 'Water Man of North Karnataka' He has been honoured with the Rajyotsava and Devraj Urs awards. He is a Gandhian, and has been a relentless advocate of justice to the deprived classes, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation
Lieutenant General Srikrishna Sardeshpande a war hero, awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Rajyotsava Award, who laid the groundwork for Bhimgad, Kodachadri, and Mhadei conservation zones with his environmental activism.
'The activists also include Colonel Ravindra Saini, Captain Nitin Dhond, Nyla Coelho, and Sharada Gopal. They comprise social activists, scientists, social reformers, educators, all sons and daughters of this soil who are tirelessly working to protect the environment,' he said.
'These are not outsiders. They are the soul of Belagavi, guardians of our forests, rivers, and communities. They have received awards from successive governments, including the Parisara Mitra Award and commendations from Chief Ministers. Mr. Shettar has no right to insult them. These environmental warriors have achieved what politicians only promise. They have protected our land without asking for votes or power. Mr. Shettar's attack reeks of political insecurity, and an attempt to deflect from the real issue — illegal deforestation, ecological destruction, and political nexus with land-grabbing interests,' Mr. Mulgund said.
Raju Topannanvar, activist, said that the 'Save Water, Save Western Ghats' movement will organise a rally in Belagavi on June 3 to protest against the Mahadayi basin projects. 'We are doing this for the environment. Not for any party, not for Goa, not for votes. We will march for truth, forests, water, and future generations. Let the people judge who is truly serving Belagavi and who is serving vested interests,' Mr. Topannanavar said.
He said that Ridhima Pandey, a 17-year-old climate activist from Haridwar, would join the rally. 'Her journey of activism began in 2017 when she filed a petition against the government of India for failing to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. In 2019, Ridhima joined 15 other children, including Greta Thunberg, in a historic lawsuit at the United Nations against five countries —Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey — for violating the rights of children through inaction on climate change,' Mr. Topannanavar said.