In a week that has left Goans deeply divided, activist Gaurav Bakshi became the face of a fierce environmental and political battle. His viral video accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of quietly stripping protected status from vast stretches of private forest land, allegedly to benefit real estate developers. The backlash was swift. Within days, the deputy conservator of forests, Aditya Madanpotra, filed a police complaint, leading to an FIR against Gaurav Bakshi under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for “promoting enmity” and “inciting public mischief.”
The government insists Gaurav Bakshi’s claims are false, arguing that every decision on forest land follows Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders. But for many, this isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about whether Goa’s forests will survive the pressures of unchecked development.
Government is not listening to public..we have to be unite and keep asking the questions.#SaveGoafromSawant pic.twitter.com/6gBBSvQwIk
— Divya Dubey💫 (@Divyadubeyy) July 10, 2025
The clash has struck a raw nerve. Gaurav Bakshi, seen by supporters as a whistleblower, stands firm, claiming the government is manipulating environmental protections for political and financial gain. On the other side, officials dismiss his allegations as reckless and misleading. Caught in the middle are Goans who rely on these forests for water, for livelihoods, for the very identity of their state. The question isn’t just about what happens to the land, but who gets to decide its fate.
Political Turmoil: Corruption Claims and a Divided Government
This isn’t the first time CM Sawant’s government has faced serious allegations. Earlier this year, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude openly accused Sawant of corruption in the tribal welfare department, declaring that something “deeply wrong” was happening under his watch. The response was immediate. Sawant warned Gaude of consequences, and soon after, Gaude was removed from the cabinet. Opposition leaders seized the moment, demanding the governor intervene and accusing the government of suppressing dissent.
The timing of Gaude’s dismissal and the FIR against Gaurav Bakshi has fueled suspicions. Critics see a pattern, voices that challenge the government are swiftly sidelined or silenced. For Goans who remember past environmental battles, this feels familiar. The fear isn’t just about losing forests; it’s about losing the right to question those in power.
A Legacy of Resistance: Goa’s Environmental Movement
The fight over Goa’s forests isn’t new. In 2023, the Supreme Court stepped in to stop the denotification of forest land that had been identified as ecologically critical. Grassroots movements like Save Mollem and Green Goa have spent years pushing back against deforestation, using protests, petitions, and legal challenges to protect the state’s natural heritage. These efforts have won victories, proving that public pressure can force accountability.
But the current FIR against Gaurav Bakshi raises a troubling question: Is the government trying to intimidate activists into silence? Environmental groups see this as a warning speak up, and you could face legal consequences. Yet, history shows that Goans don’t back down easily. The same determination that saved forests before could now rally behind Bakshi, turning this legal battle into a larger movement.
Why This Fight Matters—For Everyone
Goa’s forests aren’t just scenic backdrops for tourists. They provide clean water, prevent erosion, and sustain wildlife. For generations, locals have depended on them for farming, fishing, and cultural traditions. Every acre lost to development isn’t just a statistic—it’s a piece of Goa’s soul disappearing.
The FIR against Bakshi isn’t just about one man’s accusations. It’s about whether ordinary people can challenge decisions that affect their lives without fear of retaliation. If activism is criminalized, what happens to democracy? If forests are sacrificed for short-term gains, what happens to Goa’s future?
What Comes Next: A State at a Crossroads
The legal battle over the FIR will unfold in court, with Bakshi likely arguing that his statements were protected under free speech and public interest. The Supreme Court may be drawn in, especially given its past rulings on Goa’s forests. Politically, tensions within the BJP could grow, with Gaude’s removal exposing rifts that opposition parties will exploit. Meanwhile, activists are already mobilizing, preparing for protests, petitions, and renewed legal fights.
But beyond the headlines, this is a deeply human struggle. Imagine the forest where your family has foraged for generations, now marked for bulldozers. Imagine being told that speaking out could land you in legal trouble. That’s the reality many Goans face today.
Final Thoughts: A Fight of Gaurav Bakshi for Goa’s Heart
This isn’t just about Pramod Sawant or Gaurav Bakshi. It’s about what kind of Goa we leave for the next generation. Will it be a place where nature and people thrive together, or where profit dictates the landscape? Will dissent be respected, or will it be met with legal threats?
For those who love Goa, the answer is clear. The forests, the rivers, the open spaces they aren’t just resources. They’re home. And if history is any guide, Goans won’t let them go without a fight.