VASCO
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday took a dig at activists and said some people become hyper whenever anything is undertaken in the State and admitted that some decisions may or may not come in one’s favour.
Godinho was responding to the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the recommendation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on railway double tracking through Western Ghats and cancelling the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) clearance to the project, after launching the hotmixing of roads works near MES College in Dabolim.
Godinho claimed only the Ghat section of the railway works were affected and that the Railways could apply again and clear the project.
"We have to abide by the Supreme Court’s decision and respect it. In certain quarters, this verdict is being celebrated in a big way as if the entire project is scrapped and it is only a particular stretch in the Ghat section near Dudhsagar which is affected.”
“The Supreme Court has said the Railways can re-apply after going back to the wildlife board, follow the norms, adhere to rules and regulations and re-apply, which means the Railways will be considered again for getting permission.”
“One must remember that these are national projects to benefit the nation and there is no question of rejoicing," said Godinho.
Taking a dig at activists, the minister said: “When you undertake anything in Goa nowadays, either some agency or some people become hyper about certain things. This decision will have an impact on the delay and cost of the project and ultimately, people bear it and finally it will cost the nation," said Godinho.
Commenting on the hotmixing works, Godinho said he wanted to ensure the works are taken up before monsoons.
“We will also take up works on the Masjid Road as well. We have lot of development projects being launched in the constituency,” he said.
