Development tilting green balance, says Vishram Gupte

Panaji: "Ecological destruction is a serious problem in Goa today and interest of those living with the nature has to be protected. We need to understand that the state's natural heritage must be conserved," said noted writer and educationist, Vishram Gupte.
Explaining the importance of protecting nature Gupte said people were content with what they had when they were one with nature, adding that industrialization and globalization changed society to the extent that people now consume for pleasure.He was speaking at the release of environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar's book 'Natural Heritage of Goa', on Friday.
Chief guest on the occasion, secretary, Lokayukta, Mathew Samuels said that rural Goa is experiencing an imbalance as "development" by way of apartments is being witnessed there. It is disturbing when you see people who have lived with nature staying in a flat, he said. "I sympathize with the locals when they fight to protect their land," the IAS officer said.
He also said that agriculture, which sustained Goa's economy for centuries, needs to see more people participation. The situation is going against the interest of Goa on issues like the Mhadei water dispute, he opined.
Kerkar's book is a collection of essays centred on people, places, plants, animals, and deities of Goa.