Team Herald
Vasco: Cortalim MLA, Alina Saldanha, who is also Minister for RDA, Science Technology and Museums, on Monday reiterated that she would continue to oppose the marina project at Sancoale bay and the Mini India project proposed in Quelossim village in Cortalim constituency. She
said both these projects were against the law of the land which prohibits certain projects on wet lands and eco fragile areas.
“It’s not that I do not want these projects but we have to consider that according to the law of land which prohibits certain projects on wet lands and eco fragile areas and hence both these projects had to be stopped. Also if any project is not viable as per the law of land, then there is no question of talking of such projects. As the former environment minister, I only made my sincere efforts to ensure that the environment is protected”.
“Regarding the Mini India Project at Quelossim, I would like to clarify that the area where the project has been proposed falls in a No Development Zone, and even if I wanted to implement the project, it would never be possible,” she said.
Alina’s reiteration would certainly act as a balm for the miffed residents of Sancoale and Cortalim as they are a scared lot and fear that these projects would gather steam after Alina was removed from the Environment ministry.
Alina also said she has full faith in the new Forest and Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar. “As a Speaker of the House, Arlekar performed his duties efficiently and I have full faith that he will play his role as a forest and environment minister in a responsible manner. I am sure that he would do the right things to save the environment and not hurt the climate of the State,” she told Herald.
