VASCO
It was a marathon session at Bogmalo on Tuesday, as members of Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) and other youth from across Goa interacted with Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral for over 4 hours on various issues pertaining to the three linear projects.
While the interactive session, which began at 2 pm and went on till about 6.30 pm, left the youth not fully convinced, they appreciated the gesture of Cabral to have dedicated several hours of his time to resolve their queries on the projects.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira was also present along with dozens of youth from different parts of the State, with the youth asking several questions regarding the projects to Cabral, who provided them with the details.
CYFC Secretary Neha Gaude said Cabral had met the youth and spent a lot of time with them despite his busy schedule.
“Cabral assured to support the youth and we are very happy about this. We asked him a lot of questions during the meeting on these controversial projects. While he provided details, we are still not confident about these projects.”
“Cabral, however, assured that three trees will be planted in place of every single tree cut at every location and the government would take steps to protect nature. But who will take care of the trees in case Cabral is not the environment minister tomorrow,” asked Gaude.
Another member, Merwyn Pereira, said Cabral had assured them of a legislation to ensure that coal transportation is minimised and only the coal required for Goa would be allowed.
“We also got assurance that afforestation would be taken up in Goa and action will be taken against companies if the newly planted saplings are not maintained. He also said people and politicians must unite and work a solution on these projects,” said Pereira.
Youth from Bicholim, Assnora, Mapusa, Duler, Nagoa, Cansaulim, Velsao, Majorda, Bogmalo, Vasco, Fatorda, Paroda, St Jacinto Island, Vasco, Chicalim and Quelossim were present at the meeting and later submitted a memorandum separately to the minister.
Youth not convinced with explanations, says Fr Pereira
VASCO: Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira, who was also present at the meeting between the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) and other youth with Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral, said the youth did not seemed convinced with the explanations offered by Cabral.
“Cabral had arrived to meet the youth because they had been raising many questions regarding the three linear projects.”
“Cabral stated that the youth, instead of raising concerns on the streets, could ask him direct questions and we appreciate the fact that a senior minister has come forward to talk to the youth.”
“The youth had a lot of questions and the discussion lasted for many hours. The youth may not be convinced with the answers, but the good thing was the positivity between the minister and the youth, who had the freedom to ask all kinds of questions related to these mega projects,” said Pereira.
Explained benefits of linear projects: Environment minister
VASCO: While appreciating the youth for coming forward to seek details about the three linear projects, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral said he had provided all possible details on the benefits of the projects and assured to take them to visit a power station.
“The youth had been sending me repeated messages, prompting me to arrive for a discussion with them. I sat with the youth for around 4 hours. They raised many questions and I spoke on coal handling and the three linear projects,” said Cabral.
“I am not saying that they are convinced, but we will have two more sessions with them. I will take them to Xeldem to see a power substation which they have not seen. They also requested me accompany them to a place in Mollem and I have agreed to do so.’
“It is nice that the youth have come forward to know about these projects and they have also given me a representation. I have given them assurance that the State government is for the youth.” “I also explained why these projects are required and what we must do. I feel I could explain to them the benefits of these projects,” said Cabral.
