VASCO
A number of locals from Primeirovaddo-Velsao agitated on Saturday morning after accusing the railway contractor of digging up the right of way of people who reside along the western side of the existing South Western Railway track at Velsao.
Led by former Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and Goencho Ekvott founder member Orville Dourado, the residents alleged that the contractor had dug the right of way without any intimation, even though the landowners possessed valid land records.
Dourado said complains had been filed with relevant departments and said they were in touch with several other organisations who will come on road in large numbers against the alleged encroachment by the railways in private property destroying heritage houses and causing pollution.
"We are all united in protest against the railway contractor who dug up the right of way without informing anyone. This is not railway property because landowners have valid documents of ownership of this property up to the Railway tracks,” said Dourado.
Dourado claimed that the railway contractors used a JCB to flatten the area while claiming that they had instructions to clear the area in private land to lay double tracks.
“Goencho Ekvott has already submitted our objections and complaints to the Railways, South Goa Collector, Mamlatdar and Department of Survey and Land Records besides land owners individually complaining to relevant authorities besides Verna Police and Vasco Railway police.”
“We have demanded that the works be stopped immediately and our right of way be restored to its original form. We will never allow double tracking in the area and the entire village will start agitation,” he said.
“I also appeal to local MLA Anton Vas to consider the issue because it will cause a big problem for all of us since the double tracking will destroy our houses and cause a major issue for our future generations "said Dourado.
Later in the evening, Goencho Ekvott convened a meeting in Velsao which was attended by representatives of various NGOs.
