THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Cortalim MLA Anton Vas on Friday conducted a joint inspection with railway officials of ongoing railway works along the tracks at Velsao, as the controversy over access to the village continues to draw attention.
During the inspection, Vas examined the railway works and the access points along the track area and interacted with railway officials to understand the ground situation.
He said the genuine concerns of Velsao residents over access needed to be addressed, but strongly objected to attempts to mix the issue with the railway double-tracking controversy.
Questioning those criticising him over his stand, Vas said, “Why misguide people? Let’s talk about the access issue, which is genuine. Don’t bring the double-tracking issue in between.”
Vas made it clear that he was not opposing the genuine demand of the people for proper access and maintained that the concern deserved a solution. However, he said the matter could not be resolved through political confrontation or by creating confusion among residents.
According to Vas, the priority should be to establish the facts on the ground, understand the concerns of the affected people and discuss the matter directly with the authorities concerned. He stressed that all stakeholders must come together and find a practical solution rather than turning the issue into a show of strength.
Vas said the railway double-tracking issue should not be unnecessarily brought into a discussion specifically concerning access. He maintained that the two matters should be dealt with separately so that the genuine access requirement can receive focused attention.
The MLA said dialogue, consultation and facts should form the basis of the way forward. He maintained that a solution could emerge only when the affected people, railway authorities, elected representatives and other stakeholders sit across the table and discuss the matter constructively.
Vas said he would continue to support the genuine demand for access while seeking a practical and acceptable solution through discussions rather than confrontation.
Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, who accompanied Vas during the inspection, interacted during the discussions and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the concerns of local residents are properly placed before the authorities.
Roquezinho stressed the need for the authorities and stakeholders to examine the actual ground situation and work towards a solution that safeguards the interests of the local community.
