Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday assured a delegation of six panchayats from Nuvem constituency to phase out coal handling in Goa and to keep on hold the ongoing double tracking work of the South Western Railway.
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The delegation led by local BJP MLA Wilfred D’Sa met the Chief Minister with regards to the apprehensions of the villagers on double tracking of SWR line and coal handling.
Speaking to media persons post the meeting, D’Sa said the Chief Minister has informed them about the impending visit of Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, during which Sawant will have discussions on the two issues.
“CM has assured us that he will raise the people’s concerns with the Union Ministers and accordingly phase out coal handling activities at the MPT,” D’Sa said.
“CM has also assured to keep on hold the ongoing work of railway double tracking till further discussion with the Union Minister,” the MLA said, adding that the land acquisition process has already been kept on hold.
Responding to questions, D’Sa said that none of the Ministers or MLAs in the ruling group are in favour of coal handling and hence there is no question of promoting the activity. “CM said that coal handling cannot be stopped in one go. MPT will have to explore other alternatives. Several hundred people are employed. We have to take care of all,” he said.
The MLA and the panchayat members said they are satisfied with the CM’s assurance for now and will wait for his meeting with the Union Ministers.
