Chicalim: The Diocesan Commission for Ecology of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has renewed its firm opposition to the double-tracking of the South Western Railway (SWR) line between Hospet and Vasco da Gama, warning that the project poses a grave threat to Goa’s ecology, heritage, and communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 7, the Commission, led by Convenor Fr. Dr. Bolmax Pereira, invoked the Supreme Court’s May 2022 ruling that annulled the wildlife clearance for the controversial project. The apex court, relying on a scathing report from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), had ruled that the project was “inefficient, unjustified, and potentially destructive,” particularly for the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
The Commission underlined that the double-tracking would fragment wildlife corridors, disturb biodiversity, and cause irreversible damage to Goa’s already vulnerable environment. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to numerous endangered species, and the rail expansion has been flagged as a direct assault on its ecological integrity.
“Pursuing this project in defiance of the Supreme Court verdict shows disregard for both the environment and judicial authority,” the Commission’s statement noted. “It risks sacrificing long-term sustainability for questionable economic gains.”
Goa has witnessed one of the largest grassroots environmental movements in its history against this project. Thousands of citizens, including students, fisherfolk, civil society groups, and parish communities, have taken to the streets to oppose the expansion. Demonstrators have highlighted the dangers of coal dust pollution from increased freight traffic, the displacement of families due to land acquisition, and the risk posed to cultural and heritage landmarks situated along the proposed route.
Fr. Pereira described the movement as a landmark in Goa’s civic engagement. “The Supreme Court’s decision was a victory for environmental justice and validated the concerns of ordinary people. Ignoring this verdict undermines both the rule of law and the democratic voice of Goans,” he said.
The Church body has urged authorities to reconsider the project and to adopt development models that respect ecological balance. It suggested that investment in sustainable transport solutions, such as renewable energy-powered infrastructure and eco-friendly freight systems, could provide economic growth without endangering the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
“The path to progress cannot be built on environmental destruction,” the statement emphasized. “True development must safeguard the health of the people and the sanctity of creation.”
The opposition to double-tracking has become a symbolic battle for Goa’s identity, pitting economic interests tied to coal transport against community-led demands for sustainability. With the Church now reaffirming its stance, the resistance gains fresh moral weight, amplifying the voices of those who insist that Goa’s future must not be compromised for short-term industrial gains.