OLD GOA
Goencho Ekvott descended at Corlim on Saturday to create awareness on environmentally destructive projects like double-tracking, 400 KV transmission line and highway expansion which are meant only for coal transportation.
Speaking at the meet, Goencho Ekvott Co-convenor Captain Viriato Fernandes said it is a big conspiracy to destroy Goa just to transport coal to coal based plants in Karnataka.
“These plants in Karnataka will require 136 million tonnes per annum (MPTA) by 2030 and the same will be transported through Goa by roadways, railways and waterways,” he added.
“Right now, MPT can handle only 12 MTPA. After modernisation, it will handle 51 MTPA. The rest 85 MTPA will be handled after double-tracking, highway expansion, jetties construction, etc,” Capt. Fernandes informed, while pointing out that jetties are proposed to be constructed at Ribandar, Old Goa/Divar, Banastarim, etc as part of the Sagarmala project.
“When the coal is transported from such close vicinity, the people in Corlim and surrounding villages will suffer 24x7 as coal dust will spread around,” Capt Fernandes stated and urged the people of Corlim and surrounding villages to support the agitation of Goencho Ekvott against coal.
Captain Fernandes also informed that the destruction of Goa is done only to profit Adani, who wants to import coal from Australia.
He also showed through documentation how the government is seeking to transport coal through MPT even when it could easily use ports in Karnataka.
GE Chairman Creson Antao urged the people to get united and fight to save Goa from destruction.
“We have to force the government to stop the destructive projects. We should not be afraid of FIRs filed against protestors. We have to come united setting aside our political, ideological, religious differences. We need your support in this fight,” Antao appealed to the gathering at Corlim.
“Unless we get united and fight for cause of Goa, our future is destroyed,” Antao said.
NIO Scientist Arwindkumar Saran, activists Shankar Polgi, Jayesh Shetgaonkar, Rama Kankonkar, social worker Samil Volvoikar and others also spoke at the meeting.
