MARGAO
Even as people hailed the Supreme Court ruling on the double-tracking project, the Goyant Kollso Naka has urged the people of Goa not to get carried away by the Apex Court’s decision, saying the SC order is complete contradiction that ignores and defeats the Central Empowered Committee findings.
GKN co-convenor, activist Abhijit Prabhudesai reminded that the CEC, after detailed deliberations had found that the double-tracking has no benefit and is unnecessary. “Based on the findings of CEC, we expected the project to be cancelled. But, the Supreme Court has not cancelled the project. By directing that the Railways re-apply for the permission only suggests that the project has not been cancelled. With this direction, the Railways will come out with a modified approach, but the core issue of destruction of the bio-diversity and environment remains the same,” Abhijit said, adding ‘our worst fears are now confirmed and all three linear projects continue to threaten Goa’.
He said the Supreme Court ruling has triggered jubilation and rejoicing amongst the people, adding, “I am sure the Railway officials, the coal corporates and the central government will also rejoice with the court directing the Railways to re-apply.”
“The CEC had given a clear and categorical report after detailed study that the track doubling project needs to be scrapped. That being the case, how can the Railways be asked to re-apply again,” Abjijit questioned, fearing that by the time the Railways reapplies for the permission, the CEC may not be there.
The GKN, which has been spearheading the agitation against the three-linear projects along with a host of other organisations, has called upon all Goans to continue the struggle, until all of the coal transportation infrastructure projects are laid to permanent rest.
