VASCO
The anti-coal team of agitators met at Isorssim in Velsao to chalk out their further action in the agitation against the Environment Clearance (EC) granted to enhance coal cargo at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
Linking the EC for the enhanced cargo to the ongoing work on the double tracking, the team visited properties which are alleged to have been encroached by RVNL contractors along the railway tracks for doubling of the railway line to take stock of the situation at the request of some property owners. The team accused the RVNL of destroying the rivulet by filling mud.
"We were shocked to observe the brutal means by which the trees including the fruit bearing trees have been cut and stumps uprooted to ensure that no trace is left that these trees existed there" said Capt. Viriato Fernandes.
"Some villagers we met expressed their apprehension and fear that this land-filling of the century-old natural storm drains might lead to flooding in the next monsoon" said Fr Bolmax Pereira.
“This particular Nullah is one of the originating streams for River Sal which starts as a spring in this property at Dhervado, Mollo-Velsao on the Eastern side of the existing single railway tracks. It flows as a Nullah draining into the River Sal at Margao near the wholesale fish market," said Fr Pereira.
Sandra Rodrigues of Goencho Ekvott criticised the double standards of the government.
"How hypocritical can this double engine sarkar act? On the one side, the WRD launches a Rs 24 crore pilot project to rejuvenate the polluted River Sal and on the other side they are allowing RVNL to destroy the very source of River Sal that naturally supplies rejuvenating fresh spring water to the Sal River.”
Orville Dourado Rodrigues, Founder Member Goencho Ekvott said there was active participation in the meeting on Sunday, which was attended by representatives of over a dozen NGOs and other organisations.
“This vibrant approach is what will take our movement to its desired logical end against the dumping of coal in Mormugao and its transportation via rail, rivers and roads through Goa.”
“Double tracking is a mega burning issue and the villagers living alongside the existing tracks will not be cowed down by the actions of a most insensitive administration. Our rights to exist in a clean environment as has been the case for generations must be respected by the State,” said Rodrigues.
Jayesh Shetgaokar of 'Goa Against Coal' firmly believed in the connection between the coal enhancement EC and the Mhadei diversion.
"As anti-coal activists, we stand in solidarity with Save Mhadei Andolan and we are working on getting the same support from Save Mhadei activists. It's time entire Goa comes together in solidarity to save our motherland from being butchered."
