MARGAO
Goencho Ekvott’s planned awareness meeting at Majorda on Saturday evening against double-tracking and coal transportation was scuttled by the authorities on grounds there was no permission obtained by the organizers.
Unfazed by the pressure tactics of the authorities, the people went ahead with interaction in the nearby open fields outside the venue.
Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, who was invited for the awareness meeting, is believed to have called up the District Collector Ajit Roy seeking explanation for the action by the authorities.
The Collector told the MLA that such meetings cannot be held in times of the pandemic.
Later the MLA promised that he will always be with the villagers in opposing projects which are not people-oriented.
He said he will take up the issue related to double-tracking with the State government and the Railway authorities.
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco conveyed to the gathering that he has been taking up the issue of coal hub since 2012.
He assured to support the people throughout their fight against the double-tracking project, highway expansion through forests and the coal menace, even as he thanked GE for creating awareness about these grave issues.
Capt Viriato Fernandes, Convenor of Goencho Avaaz, explained the complete master plan of the government with respect to coal transportation, construction of jetties along the six nationalized rivers. He said the highway expansion, the transmission lines and double-tracking project are part of this conspiracy to destroy Goa.
Noted ENT specialist Dr Jorson Fernandes questioned the government whether any study has been conducted on the sustainability and impact of these projects on the Goan people and the social and environmental balance. Every project has to comply with minimum standards as far as health is concerned, he said.
Goa Against Coal Convenor Custodio D’Souza appealed to the people and elected representatives not to fall prey to bribing indulged by the crony capitalists, while architect Royla Fernandes praised those gathered for defying the rains and standing in solidarity towards to oppose coal transportation through Goa.
Local Youth Silroy Carvalho expressed concern about the coal pollution around the village in Utorda and also appealed to people to question the Railway authority and not allow them to encroach in private properties.
Savio Lopes Convener of FORCE and executive member of GE appealed to the elected representatives to formulate policies that are beneficial to the local population.
Orville Dourado Rodrigues appealed for like-minded people to be united in this struggle.
Olencio Simoes gave information about the Sagarmala project and its consequences on the Goan environment. He further stressed on the bad effects of coal transportation.
