VASCO
Goencho Ekvott on Sunday demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stop double-tracking in Goa and shift coal to Belekeri Port at Ankola in Karnataka as coal has no accrued benefits to Goa.
Goencho Ekvott along with villagers of Velsao and Cansaulim organised a public awareness meeting opposing double tracking opposite the Velsao Panchayat building. The meeting was attended by several leaders and panchas of Velsao-Pale-Issorcim, Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim, Majorda-Calata-Utorda and Quelossim panchayats.
Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardessai criticised Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas for disappearing in assembly during the voting on the coal issue and deserting the people of his constituency on the double-tracking issue.
Former environment minister Alina Saldanha appealed to the government to be reasonable in acceding to the just demands of the native residents who are affected by the coal transportation through Goa.
South District President of Indian National Congress Savio D’Silva said the Congress party is fully committed to the cause of no coal and no double tracking and reminded the gathering of the party’s manifesto which stated these two objectives.
Goencho Ekvott executive member Jayesh Shetgaonkar, GR Joint Secretary Olencio Simoes, Captain Viriato Fernandes appealed to all Goans to unite against mega destruction planned in Goa, Quelossim Panch Lopinho Xavier, Goenche Ramponkarancho Ekvott President Agnelo Rodrigues, Anthony D’Silva and Goa Forward leader Vikas Bhagat appealed to all Goans to unite to safeguard the interest of Goa and not fall prey to divisive politics.
Freddy Travasso appealed to Goans not to rest until the double tracking was scrapped in Goa. He also appealed to the Goan diaspora to lend a helping hand to the GE team to protect Goa’s environment.
GE Secretary Ella Mascarenhas compèred the function and later proposed the vote of thanks.
