MAPUSA
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao on Thursday demanded action against non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for meddling on every issue and blocking crucial developmental works.
He said he had taken an initiative to stop the heavy sand erosion that was taking place at the mouth of the River Sal near Betul.
“Just when the authorities started the work to construct a retaining wall in the area a Cavelossim-based NGO approached the NGT and brought stay on the work,” Alemao said, raising the issue at the Zero Hour.
He said some action should be taken against such NGOs which disrupt work of prime importance.
When a member of the House impressed upon him that what he was proposing was improbable, he retorted, “Why not?”
“If the government can repeal Article 370 in J&K why can’t it take action against NGOs?” he shot back.
He said for the last 30 years no government had taken the initiative to find a solution to the problem of sand erosion.
He further said if the river was not de-silted then water level would rise and create flood-like disasters affecting many villages.
“It’s an important issue and the government must act on it seriously,” he said.
Water Resources Minister, Filipe Neri informed that his department had indeed taken up the work of constructing the retaining wall but due to NGT stay order the work had to be stopped.
“We will look into the matter and if need be, approach the NGT to find a way out,” Neri said.
