MARGAO
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Wednesday made a fervent plea to the government to ring in good news for the people of Goa on Mhadei, mining and the ill-conceived projects of track-doubling, coal transportation etc during the year-long celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation movement.
“The government will launch the year-long celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation movement on December 19. I appeal to the government to resolve the Mhadei and mining issues in 2021 and also meet the aspirations of the people who are on the roads demanding protection of the environment and to save Goa for posterity,” he said while addressing the media on Wednesday.
Sardinha pointed out that the government should take all possible steps to resume mining, which has affected thousands of people and left the State economy in disarray. “The government has been only giving assurances to the people on the resumption of mining at election time. The time has come to give relief to the people by resuming operations at least in 2021 when the state will be celebrating the 60th Liberation day celebrations,” he said while offering the Congress party’s full support to the resumption of mining operations.
Similarly, the MP said the government should take immediate steps to resolve the Mhadei water tangle. “Goans consider Mhadei river as their mother. Since the river originates in Karnataka, let the neighbouring state use the water for drinking and let Goa get its rightful due,” he said, while raising apprehensions that the Mhadei basin will run dry if the Goa government does not take proactive steps and protect the State’s interests.
Complimenting the people of Goa, who are on the roads to protect the environment and the future of the state, Sardinha said these people are sacrificing everything for the betterment of the State and its posterity. “I appeal to the government to do a rethink on the coal hub, track-doubling and other controversial projects and ensure the betterment of the people of Goa,” he said.
“There is no harm in changing the decision on double-tracking when people change government after every five years,” he said.
He also took exception to the proposal to introduce pay parking at the Goa Medical College hospital, Bambolim, saying the move will affect the common man.
