PANAJI
In a bid to protect Goa's environment, TMC has pledged to follow CEC recommendations and scrap the 3 linear projects through Mollem.
In a very strong message, Mariano Rodrigues, Goa TMC candidate from Cortalim on Tuesday slammed the BJP government for the destruction it unleashed upon Goa’s environment with the three linear projects unscrupulously sanctioned through Mollem National Park and assured that TMC would completely scrap the controversial projects once it forms the government.
“The 3 linear projects through Mollem were sanctioned by bypassing several environmental guidelines, including a faulty environmental impact assessment (EIA). The SC appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has given its recommendations to the Court, and once TMC forms the government, it will work with the recommendations to completely cancel both the double-tracking of the railway line and new transmission line for Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project. This apart, Goa TMC will seek environmentally sustainable options for widening the NH-4 highway, in accordance with the recommendations.”
Reiterating the party’s stand, he said, “We understand that these projects will wreak havoc on Goa’s rich biodiversity, and Goa TMC will accordingly take steps to safeguard and protect Goa’s forests, in line with what the citizen’s movements have been demanding.”
Rodrigues further elaborated that the Mini India Project in Quelossim will also be scrapped on priority. “BJP has been going against the interests of the people by implementing these projects. From the double-tracking to the lack of basic amenities in the densely populated Zuarinagar area, to the Mini India project, Goa TMC will take necessary actions to safeguard the environment and stand with the affected people of Cortalim who have been struggling for years,” he added.
Talking about the reception of his candidature in Cortalim, Rodrigues noted that his constituency had seen the highest registrations for Goa TMC’s schemes.
He stated, “Whether it is Griha Laxmi or Yuva Shakti scheme, we are receiving tremendous response from the people. In fact Goa TMC’s manifesto is being very well received. 33% reservation in all jobs including private sector for Goan women alongside 50% reservation for women in all local bodies are some of the salient features of TMC’s manifesto that ensure that women find equal representation in the state.”
The Goa TMC candidate asserted that with the party's support, he is ready to go head-to-head with the BJP, and work alongside the people of Cortalim to usher in a 'new dawn' in the state.
