VASCO
Cortalim MLA Anton Vas on Monday appealed to people to approach him with their issues so that he can get the Railways to the site and resolve the issues before the double-tracking works are completed.
Vas was speaking to reporters after carrying out a joint site inspection with the Railways and local traditional farmers in the presence of a few members of Velsao panchayat.
"I received a letter from Velsao sarpanch Diana Gouveia on Saturday that the Railways have blocked the traditional creek that could lead to flooding in farmlands,” said Vas.
“Today morning, the Pale Tolem Xetkaranche Association submitted a representation to me with details on the issue farmers could face while also requesting an immediate site inspection with railway authorities."
Vas said he immediately contacted Railway authorities and called them to the site to understand the issue and resolve it on priority.
"I have carried out a site inspection and realised that the pipes, if placed in the creek, can surely cause flooding to the farmers. The Railways clarified that the pipes are placed to have an overbridge in the area and assured that it will be removed within a month. I then asked the farmers and discussed with the sarpanch and the farmers confirmed that there will be no issues if the pipes are removed within a month. The doubts have been cleared and the farmers' issue has been resolved," said Vas.
Vas said the people could submit their representations to him and he would get the Railways to the site to discuss the issue and find a possible solution immediately.
"Affected people must come forward with their issues before the Railways completes this project. Once the Railways finishes the works and leave, we may not be able to force them for any proposal and affected people will suffer with no options in hand.”
