VASCO
Claiming that parts of Chicalim are likely to be flooded during monsoons due to railway works in the area, Capt. Viriato Fernandes of Goencho Avaaz on Wednesday said he has requested Chicalim Panchayat to file a criminal case against the railways and complaints with the South Goa collector and the disaster management authority.
"A meeting was convened at Chicalim Panchayat on Wednesday based on a complaint filed by me against the Railways and their contractors for taking up illegal works related to double-tracking opposite the main gate of INS Hansa and in close proximity at the Airport.”
“The railways have filled up a low-lying area using many truckloads of soil to raise the level for the second track. They have also destroyed a natural spring and disturbed the flow of water and this will lead to flooding when the monsoon sets in," said Capt. Fernandes.
“The railway officials failed to come for the meeting, which shows that they neither have land documents nor permission from the panchayat for the works.”
Capt. Fernandes accused the railways of destroying a spring and filling up a low-lying area which could cause massive flooding during monsoons and damage to the environment.
“I have requested the Chicalim Panchayat to file a criminal case against the railways with another complaint to South Goa collector and disaster management authority and they have obliged to do so, because the railways will be solely responsible for the disaster in the monsoons. This fight will go on and we appeal to Goans to join in the fight," he added.
