MARGAO
The Goyant Kollso Naka yatra entered the villages of Seraulim and Betalbatim to a rousing welcome from the local residents on Sunday, who came out in large numbers to strongly oppose double-tracking and coal transportation in the state.
Hundreds joined the parish priest of Betalbatim, Fr Pascoal Alphonso, to invoke the blessing of the Almighty. In a short prayer, Fr Pascoal prayed to God to give the elected representatives the wisdom to do what is right and good for the people, society and the environment.
Saying that the people of Goa are opposed to coal transportation to protect their lives and that of the future generations, Fr Alphonso said double-tracking is not for the benefit of the local people, but the corporates.
“We don’t want coal in Goa. When I was in Vasco, I used to often fall sick. It was due to the exposure to coal,” he said.
People who participated in the carried placards, black flags and banners opposing the coal infra projects.
A delegation handed over a memorandum to the Sarpanch of Betalbatim, Constancio Miranda, with all the documents highlighting the damage double-tracking and coal transportation would do.
The Goyant Kollso Naka yatra, which started from Goa’s ancient capital, Chandor, on the day of Gandhi Jayanti, has so far covered the villages of Guirdolim, Sao Jose de Areal and Davorlim.
The rally is being taken out across the villages to spread awareness amongst the people on the ill-effects of double-tracking and coal transportation projects.
