‘Sinister plan’ to push coal infra in Goa despite SC ruling: Goencho Ekvott

VASCO
Goencho Ekvott (GE) has accused the State government of facilitating land acquisition from the forest department for the Hospet–Londa–Tinaighat–Vasco railway doubling, despite the Supreme Court having set aside the clearance granted by the National Board of Wildlife for double tracking in Kulem.

GE Joint Secretary Olencio Simoes alleged that both central and state governments had a “sinister plan” to destroy Goa’s environment.

“Since 2015, this government has systematically approved all coal infrastructure projects to facilitate coal transportation via sea, river, road and railways at the cost of Goan lives and livelihood,” he said.

Listing a series of approvals, Simoes added, “Firstly, they nationalised the six rivers of Goa. Then came four expansion plans in Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), including deepening of the approach channel, redevelopment of berths, finger jetties at Vasco Bay and a multipurpose terminal at Betul.”

“They then diluted the CRZ notification to 2019, cutting it from 500 to 50 metres and deleting Goa-specific protections. Later, they proposed the four-laning of NH4A through Anmod–Mollem, and finally privatised MPT through the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2022 — all to import and transport 141 MMTPA of coal for capitalists.”

GE founder member Orville Dourado Rodrigues accused South Western Railways and its contractors of “rampantly violating the law” even after the Supreme Court verdict.

“The Supreme Court has questioned the viability of the project and directed that the double tracking be scrapped in Goa and shifted elsewhere. Yet RVNL has criminally trespassed into private landholdings and is illegally constructing works with the blessing of the State machinery,” Rodrigues said.

He further alleged that such actions were denying local residents their fundamental rights. “People are being deprived of free access to their residences, of clean air and water — all because the government is working hand in glove with coal lobbies,” Rodrigues remarked.