PANAJI
Speaking at BJP office in Panaji, Naik declared, "A citizen cannot be anti-coal in today's world because the electricity we enjoy is because come village in Andhra Pradesh is burning coal. You can be against pollution, but not against coal."
Naik rubbished the demand made by Curtorim Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco to shut down of all coal-related projects in Goa stating that "Shutting down coal-related projects is not an option".
Predictably enough, the BJP chose to fall back on its age-old strategy of blaming erstwhile Congress-led government for the pollution caused by excessive coal handling.
"We will take action. But we can't just penalize them easily without studying the legal aspects. Once permission is given, it is just not plain permission. It comes with a time limit and other conditions" Naik said.
However, when asked to specify why the seven year-old BJP government has refrained from penalizing coal companies on the basis of Goa State Pollution Control Board's observation that the quantities of coal handled well exceeded the authorized capacities, Naik simply said, "This is a central issue and permissions are being given by the Centre though coal is being handled in the state."
Admitting that coal-related pollution is indeed an issue in Vasco, Naik sought to reiterate that the BJP government has already raised its objections and is working to see that the pollution which is created due to coal is brought under control.
Speaking at BJP office in Panaji, Naik declared, "A citizen cannot be anti-coal in today's world because the electricity we enjoy is because come village in Andhra Pradesh is burning coal. You can be against pollution, but not against coal."
Naik rubbished the demand made by Curtorim Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco to shut down of all coal-related projects in Goa stating that "Shutting down coal-related projects is not an option".
Predictably enough, the BJP chose to fall back on its age-old strategy of blaming erstwhile Congress-led government for the pollution caused by excessive coal handling.
"We will take action. But we can't just penalize them easily without studying the legal aspects. Once permission is given, it is just not plain permission. It comes with a time limit and other conditions" Naik said.
However, when asked to specify why the seven year-old BJP government has refrained from penalizing coal companies on the basis of Goa State Pollution Control Board's observation that the quantities of coal handled well exceeded the authorized capacities, Naik simply said, "This is a central issue and permissions are being given by the Centre though coal is being handled in the state."
Admitting that coal-related pollution is indeed an issue in Vasco, Naik sought to reiterate that the BJP government has already raised its objections and is working to see that the pollution which is created due to coal is brought under control.
