MARGAO
Congress South Goa candidate Captain Viriato Fernandes has promised NGOs and social activists that he would explore the possibility of researching each of the issues plaguing the State to ensure that adequate laws are enacted wherever required to protect the environment and ensure a better quality of life for not only the citizens of Goa but also those in the entire country.
He was speaking at an interaction initiated by Goencho Ekvott, which has been on the frontline of recent social movements in the State, on Wednesday, on the issues plaguing the State. Over 50 persons representing various NGOs participated in the event which was moderated by Olencio Simoes, Jt Secretary of Goencho Ekvott.
Sarita Fernandes, representing the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF), spoke about the need to protect the houses of the indigenous people along the coastal belt in the same manner that the rights of forest dwellers were protected by an act of parliament. She also spoke about climate change and the need to enact laws to safeguard the environment from rapid unplanned industrialisation which will eventually lead to global warming, consequences of which will ultimately lead to the collapse of our planet.
Convenor of Goencho Ekvott Creson Antao put up six demands to Captain Viriato including but not limited to double tracking, Mormugao port expansion to facilitate a coal hub, satellite port in Betul, National Highway 4A among others.
Activist Judith Almeida, representing Colva Civic Forum, while congratulating Captain Viriato impressed upon him to protect the rights of all indigenous communities who have from times immemorial protected and survived on the land resources.
Social activist Anthony D’Silva (Brainbox) requested the Congress candidate to take up the issue of the demolition of the illegal structure in the heritage zone of Old Goa. He also demanded that the Goa International Airport at Dabolim should continue operations for the benefit of local communities and tourists alike.
Jack Mascarenhas, representing NGO Goenche Fudle Pidge Khatir, while extending full support to Captain Viriato impressed upon him to enact/enforce land laws which will help the local communities to retain possession of their inheritance.
Ex-environment minister Alina Saldanha spoke about various issues, particularly the need to retain Dabolim International Airport, and road safety considering that there has been a spate of accidents resulting in fatalities every single day. She demanded a ban on heavy vehicular traffic during peak hours.
Panch Francisco Braganza handed over a memorandum from Goyche Ramponkarancho Ekvott demanding the regularisation of houses belonging to the traditional toddy tappers, fishermen & farmers within the CRZ areas.
