MARGAO
Intensifying its agitation against coal transportation, Goyank Kollso Naka will take out a yatra on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 from the ancient capital of Goa, Chandor-Guirdolim, which will wend its way through different villages to spread awareness on the threats from the activity.
Addressing the media, activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said Goyant Kollso Naka will engage with the government by urging it to respect the sentiments of the Goan populace and stop track-doubling and coal transportation projects.
“We are confident that the government will listen to the voice of the people and stop these projects. If not, the people of Goa will take a call,” he added.
Abhijit pointed out that most of the MLAs, whether ruling or Opposition, have admitted that they have no knowledge of the track-doubling project.
Speaking on the October 2 yatra, he said, “This is part of the awareness campaign. We want to take the government into confidence before taking further action,” he added.
To a question that different organizations are on the ground agitating against the track-doubling project, Abhijit said these are working to spread awareness amongst the people and gather support for the fight against the issue.
Goyant Kollso Naka Convenor Antonio D’Silva said the NGO has studied the Sagarmala project, MPT’s master plan, National Waterways Act, 2016, and other related documents. “We have also studied the ongoing coal transportation infrastructure works in the state, including the track-doubling of Vasco-Hospet line. These studies clearly show that the plans are on to make Goa a coal hub for private corporations wanting to build massive power and steel plants in Karnataka,” Antonio added.
Activist Nelson Mascarenhas has challenged the government to come for a debate on the issue, saying the organization will place on record the proof of how the coal transportation project will affect future generations.
“Most of the politicians have responded that they are not aware of the Sagarmala project and other documents revealing the coal hub plans. Despite their ignorance, the politicians, especially from the ruling party, are not willing to accept the facts and arguments we are placing before them.”
“We, therefore, demand that the government either comes for a public debate with our representatives if it wishes to challenge our findings and facts or to accept them and cancel all clearances given to coal-related infrastructure projects,” Nelson said.
Activist Freddy Travasso feared that the health of Goans will only deteriorate and green Goa will be converted into black if the track-doubling project takes shape.
Felix Furtado said that the people of Chandor and Guirdolim have been kept in the dark over the track-doubling and coal transportation projects by the politicians with a sinister design. “The villagers have realized that the railways has started filling up fields and water bodies to lay the tracks. These projects will only destroy the pristine glory of Chandor,” he added.
