Team Herald
MARGAO: In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed waste treatment plant in the Nuvem constituency, local MLA and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira has made it clear that he will not meet with the locals protesting the project. Sequeira alleged that the issue has been politicised, but he assured that he had informed Chief Minister Pramod Sawant about the opposition from local residents.
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The statement from Sequeira comes after residents of Nuvem accused the MLA of making false claims regarding their stance on the proposed plant. They argue that they had expressed their concerns to him, but the MLA maintains a different narrative.
Sequeira stated, “Nobody has approached me to discuss the waste treatment plant. However, I did raise this issue in the Assembly and informed the Chief Minister that the locals are against the project.”
Contrary to his claims, residents assert they have met with the MLA twice since 2022, submitting memorandums outlining the potential negative effects of the waste treatment plant on their community. When questioned by reporters about this on Friday, Sequeira denied any meetings on the subject.
“Even today, while I was here listening to the grievances of the people, nobody has mentioned their opposition to the plant,” Sequeira reiterated, adding that he will not take the initiative to meet with the protestors.
He emphasised that the decision on the waste treatment plant lies with the government, and since the Chief Minister has already been informed of the locals’ concerns, the government will take an appropriate decision.
“Yes, I raised the issue in the Assembly as the MLA of Nuvem constituency. Even before I became MLA, I conveyed the sentiments of the locals to the Chief Minister,” Sequeira stated, reinforcing his stance on the matter.
