Team Herald
VASCO: Over 200 people from Cansaulim and nearby villages participated in the massive public rally organised by Goyant Kollso Naka on Wednesday to express their solidarity with the group in opposing the doubling of railway tracks and other projects related to coal transportation as the activists vowed not to allow such projects in Goa.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The villagers gathered in Cuelim with their bikes and cars. During the rally, women, senior citizens and children held banners and plaques with messages and slogans such as “Coal is Criminal”, “We need to protect our Goa and its heritage”, “Say no to Coal” “Goyant Kollso Nakach naka”, ” We don’t want doubling of railway tracks” etc.
This rally later culminated into a public meeting, wherein some prominent members of the Goyant Kollso Naka addressed the gathering. The group submitted a memorandum to Cansaulim sarpanch Jose Mario Furtado opposing the doubling of railway tracks and coal transportation.
Appreciating their work, Furtado assured his support to Goyant Kollso Naka and its cause.
Videsh Bhagat, executive member of Goyant Kollso Naka said, “It is our duty to protect and preserve our Goan culture, heritage, nature, which our forefathers have fought and kept for us.”
He said, “Doubling of railway tracks, coal transportation, etc, will hamper the State’s environment and people will suffer. This fight against coal should continue and people should unite and stay together and strongly oppose coal-related projects in Goa such as doubling of tracks.”
Abhijeet Prabhudessai, a well known activist and a member of Goyant Kollso Naka expressed similar views.
He said, “This fight should continue and grow to protect this holy land. Any sort of destructive projects need be opposed”.
Laurenco D’Silva, a social worker said, “What people want should happen. We don’t want coal and coal-related projects such as doubling of railway tracks in Goa. We are better off what we are at present.”
He said, “Politicians during the pandemic period were in their houses and were not seen at all when people needed them the most. But now they are coming out and forcing such mega projects which people are opposing. We should not fall prey to such things and continue to oppose coal and coal-related projects”.
Simon D’Souza, Founder Member of Cansaulim Action Committee said, “Coal will only bring destruction to the villages. People should fight to oppose coal and protect our Goa.”
The rally concluded at around 6.30 pm at the Cansaulim Sports Complex junction.
