VASCO
Expressing dismay that the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) had given a green signal to the double-tracking project, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on Thursday said the NBWL had not considered existing conditions and ground realities of the existing alignment of the current South Western Railways (SWR) tracks.
“In the name of development, there are attempts to destroy the lives of the people of South Goa. I will continue to oppose the double-tracking of railway tracks and I am hopeful that the government will listen to the people and scrap the project,” said Saldanha, while speaking to reporters.
"There will be total destruction of lives and the second track will cause a disaster. The second track will be on the doorsteps, compound walls or in the verandahs of houses along the track, besides destroying several heritage houses.”
"The government at the state and centre must stop using Goa as a corridor for the benefit of other larger states," said Saldanha.
“People pushing for the project, including the union minister for environment and the government, should tell us the benefits accrued to the people living along the tracks. The people have not elected us to turn their lives upside down and miserable,” said Saldanha.
The Cortalim MLA has requested the CM to walk along the track and find out whether all Cabinet ministers who pass these projects are willing to live in these conditions and exchange these houses with theirs.
“No one is bothered about the people who have been demanding the cancellation of the projects," said Saldanha.
Saldanha further said there was no written assurance on the reduction of coal handling activity.
"We have been told by the government that the quantum of coal will be reduced and if this is the case, what is the need for a second track? Presently, the SWR track is underused and the government is saying coal transportation will be reduced by 50 per cent, but there is no written assurance," said Saldanha.
Saldanha said the Konkan Railway had been catering to passenger movement.
"People use the Konkan Railway for their travelling needs and SWR is not the only railway line in Goa.”
“Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral walked the tracks for around 4 km but he did not look left or right because he did not want to face the ground reality. No one wants to see the ground reality and I am tired of requesting the government to walk the track and check for themselves," said Saldanha.
