The South Goa District Collector has issued an order fora temporary closure of level-crossing roads in Chandor, Nessai and Davorlim sothat the South Western Railways can lay double tracks by cutting existingroads. The closure is scheduled on October 28, November 2 and November 9 andwill be carried out between midnight and 5 am. The Collector's order followedsoon after a no-objection certificate was issued by the Superintendent ofPolice, South, for the closure of roads.
The swift green signal for the laying of double tracksonly goes to show that all the fiery protests and agitations against theproject have fallen on deaf ears. The Collector's order goes to show that theadministration has no concern for the issues raised by thousands of people,activists, NGOs, parties, environmentalists and others who are opposing theproject. It also goes to show that the government is not going to waste anytime, no matter the circumstances and no matter what it promises the people.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant indicated that he needs timeto address people's issues and even directed the deputy collector to postponethe private hearing slated at Vasco last week following protests by nearly athousand people at the site. However, the CM has only flattered to deceive withthe Collector's order and the police NOC which have been issued by completelyignoring the volatile ground situation. If we may recall, it was only in Julywhen Goa was fighting a fierce battle against Covid with fatalities risingexponentially, the cabinet expedited approval of the acquisition of 1,235 sq mof land in Majorda to facilitate double-tracking work.
The State government is hurrying through the project,mindful of the fact that there would be consequences. The government could havecalled a time-out by asking railways to pull the brakes if there was someconcern. When it suited the government, the pandemic situation has been used togood effect, including on the retired seafarers whose pension is held back onthat pretext.
The fact of the matter is that the railways areundertaking work in a land which belongs to them. However, when it comes toroad closures at level crossings, the role of district administration comesinto focus. Given the volatile situation and the furious protests that aresimmering across villages and towns, the government is not only taking chanceswith law and order situation but displaying a care-a-damn attitude to citizens.
The collector's order has put down 23 conditions whichthe railways are to comply with while proceeding with the double-tracking work,but the onus of facing the ire of public will be on government machinery. Theanger and frustration within people could reach a flashpoint resulting in a lawand order situation, despite the odd hour during which the work is beingundertaken. The government will have to take responsibility for any untowardincident that arises at the site.
