In the idyllic state of Goa, celebrated for its golden beaches, swaying palms, and vibrant biodiversity, a grim battle is unfolding. The serene landscapes that draw millions of tourists annually are under threat from coal transportation projects that critics say are turning the state into a hub for industrial exploitation. At the heart of this controversy is Vijai Sardesai, the outspoken president of the Goa Forward Party and MLA from Fatorda, who has emerged as a fierce critic of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sardesai has accused the BJP of capitulating to the powerful coal lobby, declaring that the “Goa government has surrendered to coal interests, destroying our state.” His words paint a stark picture of a state government acting as a puppet for corporate giants, with the BJP’s much-touted nationalism exposed as a hollow facade masking policies that prioritize profit over people.
Sardesai’s accusations are not mere rhetoric but a rallying cry against what he perceives as a systematic betrayal of Goa’s ecological and cultural heritage. He has consistently pointed to the expansion of coal-related infrastructure, particularly the double-tracking of railway lines, as evidence of the coal lobby’s dominance. “The government is painting Goa black with coal,” Sardesai has stated, describing the railway project as a “coal corridor” designed to facilitate the transport of millions of tons of coal through the state. This infrastructure, he argues, serves the interests of industrial conglomerates while threatening the health and livelihoods of Goans, particularly in areas like Mormugao, where coal pollution already chokes the air and coats homes in soot. The MLA’s warnings resonate with a growing chorus of voices—activists, opposition leaders, and local communities—who see the BJP’s policies as a direct assault on Goa’s identity as a green haven.
The BJP’s alleged complicity with the coal lobby is evident in its handling of key infrastructure projects. Despite public assurances that the double-tracking of railway lines from Velsao to Collem was not intended for coal transport, revelations from central authorities have contradicted these claims, confirming that the project is indeed geared toward increasing coal movement. This discrepancy has fueled accusations that the BJP is misleading the public to appease corporate interests. Sardesai has been unrelenting in his criticism, accusing the government of prioritizing the profits of coal handlers over the well-being of Goans. “The coal lobby is ruling Goa,” he declared, emphasizing that the state’s natural beauty and tourism-driven economy are being sacrificed for short-term industrial gains. His statements highlight a broader concern: that the BJP’s governance in Goa is less about serving the public and more about catering to a powerful corporate elite.
Opposition leaders from other parties have echoed Sardesai’s concerns, painting a troubling picture of the BJP’s priorities. The Congress party has accused both itself and the BJP of historically collaborating on coal-friendly policies, but under the current BJP regime, the push has intensified to favor “crony capitalists.” Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Amit Palekar has gone further, lamenting that the BJP has abandoned the legacy of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who once opposed unchecked coal handling. “The BJP that once claimed to protect Goa’s soul has sold itself to corporate interests,” Palekar remarked, accusing the government of betraying its own principles for financial gain. These criticisms underscore a growing sentiment that the BJP’s policies are driven not by public interest but by the demands of the coal lobby, which wields significant influence over the state’s economic and environmental decisions.
Grassroots resistance to coal projects further illustrates the depth of public discontent. In 2017, 54 village councils across Goa passed resolutions vowing to block coal trucks from passing through their communities, a powerful display of local opposition to what residents see as corporate overreach facilitated by the BJP government. More recently, protests have to intensify as Goans have no choice. The fact the Government appears to be a servitude of the coal lobby only a change in Government may be a solution to coal pollution. The Goans have to rise up save Goa and Goans otherwise coal is all set to choke Goa .
