MAPUSA
An aggressive opposition on Wednesday took on the government on the three linear projects on the floor of the House stating that it government was trying to bulldoze the projects and were afraid to make relevant information about the projects public.
However, Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant told the Goa Legislative Assembly that since the matter was before the Supreme Court the State would file replies on the objections raised by the Central Empowerment Committee (CEC) in the top court.
Setting the ball rolling during the Question Hour, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khuante said despite people’s opposition to the three linear projects “ Tanmar transmission project, doubling of railway tracks and four-laning of national highway “ the government was trying to force the projects on Goans.
He said the Supreme Court-appointed CEC after hearing all the stakeholders and conducting site visits raised several concerns and also gave recommendations on the three linear projects.
“What are the recommendations of the CEC and what is the government doing about it? Will the government act on the recommendations or wait for the Supreme Court decision?” Khaunte asked.
Revenue Minister, Jennifer Monserrate said that she was yet to receive the CEC report but suggested that since the matter was in the SC it would be better to await the court’s decision.
“The government can collectively take a call on the issue,” Monserrate said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed that since the CEC has presented its report/recommendations to the Supreme Court raising certain queries on the Tanmar and railway double-tracking projects, the State government will file a reply in the matter in the SC.
Khaunte said the government went ahead with the hearings for the land acquisition for the railway double-tracking project during the peak Covid period of March to May and when the State was in lockdown mode.
“They have bulldozed through the land acquisition process,” he said.
He further said the demarcation of the land was still not carried out even after 12 months and questioned the government’s stand on the issue.
Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant replied stating that some people have willingly given land and in some cases government land was offered for the projects.
“The land acquisition is done by the Centre. We are only facilitating it in the process,” Sawant said.
The Porvoim MLA said the chief minister was misleading the people of the State on the three linear projects and trying to hide certain facts.
“Not us, he is misleading the House,” the CM responded.
Leader of Opposition and Fatorda MLA, Vijai Serdessai, also joined in the debate castigating the government for not following proper procedures in land acquisition.
