MARGAO
Taking the ongoing awareness programme to the nook and corner of the State in the battle against double-tracking and coal transportation, Goencho Ekvott held an impressive meeting in Raia village, where the speakers called upon the people to join the ongoing agitation in large numbers.
An impassioned plea was made to the Raia villagers to join in the rally at Davorlim railway crossing on November 9 if the government fails to revoke the order authorizing the railways to lay the double track at the location.
Speakers warned that thousands of people will descend on the Davorlim railway crossing on November 9 if the government does not withdraw the order by then.
Goencho Ekvott Convenor Creson Antao explained to the people the reason behind the formation of the organization and how the NGO intends to mobilize the villagers under one banner to stop the destruction of Goa.
Antao pointed out that the apolitical organization has mobilized the people of Goa in the battle against coal transportation and double-tracking and vowed to take the agitation to its logical conclusion.
Viriato Fernandes explained to the people how project was aimed for transporting millions of tonnes of coal from the MPT to other states for the benefit of corporates.
He said the government has initiated several projects, including double-tracking, expansion of national highways and transmission lines all connected to coal.
Fr Bolmax Pereira explained how the transportation of coal will not only affect humans but also destroy plant life as well as agriculture in the long run.
Former Raia Sarpanch Xavier Fernandes and others also spoke at the meeting. Fr Conceicao D’Silva, Fr Eremito Rebello and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco were also present at the meeting.
