Thursday 28 Mar 2024

Neri, what's next? There's no word on track-doubling work

| NOVEMBER 26, 2020, 12:41 AM IST

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made some significant announcements in his post-Cabinet meeting briefing but has conveniently side-stepped the contentious issue of double-tracking. Granting a 50 per cent reduction in road tax for commercial vehicles in the State, allocating PWD projects of up to Rs 10 lakh to Engineering Degree and Diploma holders and a one-time settlement scheme for water bill defaulters are welcome decisions. But, when the State is on the boil over double-tracking, why has the Cabinet remained silent?

Somewhere down the list of announcements was the CM's assurance to reduce coal-handling capacity at MPT by 50 per cent and subsequently phase out coal, with a rider that there should be alternative cargo available for the sustainability of port. The 50 per cent reduction sounds to be a massive relief to the coal-ravaged areas of Mormugao, and the State in general. But is this practical, or just an illusion? Or are these percentages hypothetical projections to calm down protests? Is the government in a position to randomly swoop down on MPT business and scale it down at its whims and fancies?

The State Pollution Control Board will have to do a lot of spadework and build a strong case to cut down coal handling. It will have to continually monitor and study the impact of coal pollution on the environment and the lives of people. It's a long-drawn process, and no encouraging signs are emerging going by the way the issue is being handled so far.

The reluctance of the government to go after transportation cess defaulters like JSW and Adani is a clear indicator that there is no resolve. If payment of cess is being denied by companies on the premise that rail transportation doesn't cause pollution in the State, the government must provide documentary evidence to prove a point. If it has nothing to show that coal transportation is causing pollution, on what basis is the CM assuring of downscaling coal capacity by 50 per cent?

Secondly, not a word was spoken about the ongoing double-tracking works. Lest we forget, Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues took to the public address system on Monday to pacify protesters at Nessai railway crossing that he will prevail upon the CM to stop work till the Union Railway Minister visits Goa on December 15. He promised to take up the issue in the Cabinet and to take his next step if the CM did not listen to his plea. However, nothing has emerged on double-tracking work, and there is no public statement by Sawant. Can Neri tell the people what is he trying next?

The cabinet meeting could have been an ideal moment to voice the concerns of the people and seek direction from the CM on the contentious projects. If ministers have failed to impress upon the CM or get a directive, it means that there's no stopping of double-tracking work. Ministers and legislators continue to play the diplomacy card to protect their political interests.


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