MARGAO
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira has distanced himself from the controversy over development of the heritage interpretation centre under PRASAD scheme in Old Goa, stating that neither he nor his department is involved.
He said that if cannonballs have been found in Old Goa, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “In the just-concluded Assembly, the Tourism Minister said the work began with an NOC from the ASI and the Church. I don’t want to get involved in the issue since I am not a part of it. I cannot comment,” he said.
When the media pointed out allegations that the ongoing work had harmed the environment at the Old Goa World Heritage Site, Sequeira responded, “Environment is a vast subject. Even laying underground cables may cause some damage. To place cables underground, the road is dug up and later covered with tar. As far as the Old Goa issue is concerned, I am not fully aware of it.”
At the Friday darbar, the Minister reviewed various issues, including the pending sewerage projects in Margao and Navelim.
He told the media that the sewerage issue at the South Goa Collectorate complex should be resolved by 31 March. Similarly, he said the sewerage line work at the SGPDA should be completed by 31 May.
When asked about concerns raised by Nuvem residents over road expansion, the Environment Minister said the government is working to address the issue. “Today, we reviewed the road expansion from Nuvem to Verna. A few days ago, a delegation of Nuvem villagers met me with their concerns. We have resolved many issues, and some are still pending. We will sort out all matters to the satisfaction of the people,” he added.
Sequeira ready to contest 2027 polls if BJP gives him ticket
MARGAO: Nuvem MLA and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, who switched from Congress to BJP, said on Friday that he will contest from Nuvem in the 2027 Assembly election if the BJP gives him the ticket.
“If the ticket is given to me, I will contest. Otherwise, I will see what is the situation,” he told the media at his Friday darbar at the South Goa district Collectorate.
When asked if he would consider returning to the party he had won from Nuvem with in the 2022 Assembly election, Sequeira responded, “I have not said anything. Let me see what is the situation. I will contest the next election if the ticket is given to me. Otherwise, I will see.”
Sequeira also pointed out that the ticket is not in his hands, recalling that even when he contested on a Congress ticket in 2022, it was finalised only at the last moment.
