Neola Pereira

Neola Sybil Pereira (born 18 April 2000) is an Indian environmental activist known for her advocacy against environmental concerns in the coastal state of Goa. She is actively involved in the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) and has played a significant role in the Save Mollem campaign. Pereira, along with the youth, has been vocal in opposing three linear projects; double tracking, the expansion of the national highway, and the transmission of power lines through the Western Ghats.

Early life and education Neola Sybil Pereira was born on 18 April 2000 to Santana Pereira and Maria Dolly Santiago in Vasco da Gama, Goa. She is the third of three children and has two elder brothers. Pereira hails from Chicalim.

In that same year, Pereira, alongside Meera Roka, led the Hayes House to secure victory in the Inter-house championship for the third consecutive time during the annual sports event. In April 2021, she pursued her studies as an undergraduate specializing in business at a particular educational institution, the name of which has not been disclosed.

Activism (2020–2021)

On 21 November 2020, the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) expressed their opposition to three infrastructure projects in Mollem: the expansion of railway tracks, the widening of National Highway NH4A, and the construction of a high-tension power line. The CYFC threatened to take to the streets and withhold support for the government in the upcoming 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly elections unless their concerns were addressed. Pereira demanded the removal of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the discontinuation of land acquisition in Velsao, South Goa.

Pereira placed significant emphasis on the Sagar Mala project's commitment to generating ample employment prospects for young individuals. However, the specific initiatives associated with the project were appraised as detrimental, leading to widespread resistance from the younger demographic. Concerns were raised by activists who expressed apprehension regarding the efforts to enhance the railway infrastructure within the coastal state of Goa. These activists asserted that such endeavors may indicate a strategic intention to transform the region into a prominent center for coal production and distribution.

On January 22, 2021, a cohort of young individuals called upon the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), an entity established by the Supreme Court of India, to recommend the rescission of clearances granted to three linear projects located within the Mollem forests. Among the representatives who advocated for this cause were Pereira, Shirly Fernandes, Gabriella D'Cruz, Prifa Xavier, Hyacinths Aguiar, Myron Lucas, Romeo Dias, Mathson Miranda, and Darina Lobo. The group sought to capture the attention of the CEC and draw its focus towards the potential ramifications of these projects, which they believed would cause significant environmental and ecological damage. Additionally, they expressed concerns that the local community would not derive any benefits from the projects, while their ancestral homes were at risk of demolition.

In April 2021, an event took place involving Pereira and a vibrant flash mob dedicated to a crucial cause: the preservation of a jeopardized wildlife reserve. This endeavor was part of a larger movement driven by the youth of India, who were increasingly taking the lead in advocating for environmental concerns, much to the consternation of the country's authorities. Pereira firmly believed that the responsibility of safeguarding the environment extends beyond the realm of environmentalists alone. She undertook an extended campaign opposing a governmental initiative that involved the expansion of railway tracks, the widening of a highway, and the construction of an electricity transmission line that would traverse Mollem National Park. This park played a crucial role as the natural habitat for endangered tigers and other important feline species.

Pereira expressed her initial surprise about actively engaging in the battle against fossil fuels. In February, Disha Ravi, a 22-year-old activist focusing on climate issues, was apprehended by the authorities on sedition charges. The accusation against Ravi entailed her alleged involvement in creating a "toolkit" aimed at aiding the coordination of protests, which was subsequently shared on social media platforms, including with Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist. Pereira, who had been personally detained by the police in December, admired Ravi and views her as an inspirational figure. Pereira emphasized the desire of young women, including herself, to not only pursue careers but also to utilize their voices for effecting meaningful change.

In April 2021, it was reported that Pereira was actively preparing for a protracted struggle and downplaying concerns regarding potential repression. Pereira recounted an incident of detainment that occurred in December 2020, where law enforcement officials boarded a privately owned bus carrying protestors and instructed the driver to transport them to a police station. Pereira vividly described the situation as a state of entrapment and emphasized their desperate pleas for assistance. Shortly thereafter, Pereira and their companions began live-streaming the event on Instagram, attracting an audience of over 200,000 viewers and inspiring others to offer support. Pereira asserted that the government was apprehensive due to the significant outreach they had achieved, stating, "I am very confident in my ability to emerge victorious from this struggle."

Pereira draws profound inspiration from the words of Robert Swan, a British adventurer, who highlighted the significant risk posed to the planet when individuals rely on the belief that someone else will take responsibility for its preservation. This quote resonated deeply with Pereira and ignited her personal commitment to combating environmental challenges. Engaging in collaborative efforts with intellectuals and fellow nature enthusiasts, Pereira's initial motivation evolved into a passion to safeguard the environment and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

2020 detainment On 19 December 2020, Pereira, accompanied by a group of 35 individuals, including minors, embarked on a private bus journey from Vasco to Panjim with the objective of attending a peaceful function during the occasion of Goa Liberation Day. Pereira had expressed the importance of reaching the location by 2:00 pm to ensure the successful conclusion of the entire program prior to the commencement of the then President of India Ram Nath Kovind's event. However, before reaching their intended destination, the group encountered a contingent of law enforcement officials who halted the bus and assumed control of the situation. This intervention was carried out by four male police officers and a female constable who accompanied the group during the incident.

In numerous accounts, individuals expressed their inquiries to the law enforcement authorities regarding the grounds for their apprehension and the specific legal provisions from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) under which they were being held. Regrettably, they were met with silence as no official response was provided. Pereira recounted the events, stating that their journey was directed towards the northernmost region, with Pernem as their imminent destination. Many of them were actively streaming their experiences on various social media platforms, and in a plea to their audience, they sought assistance and support.

In 2019, Pereira actively participated during the inception of a philanthropic initiative called "The Giving Tree." This initiative was spearheaded by the youth group affiliated with St. Francis Xavier Church in Chicalim. The primary aim of this charitable endeavor was to provide assistance to families experiencing financial hardships during the festive Christmas season by presenting gifts to underprivileged children.