FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The private member’s resolution submitted by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco on the three linear projects in Mollem was defeated by division of votes by 20 to 11.
The resolution moved by Sardesai and Lourenco read, “This House strongly recommends the government that the three linear projects of double tracking of railway lines, power transmission and National Highway expansion passing through the protected areas of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park be scrapped in the interest of the public who have shown strong opposition to these three projects that threaten the ecology of the area.”
Speaking on the resolution, Sardesai said the three linear projects are not in the interest of Goa and are being forced on the people of Goa by the government. “Why is double tracking required? This is required only for coal. Can the government tell us how many trains will come? We understand there are just five trains plying on the track which is good enough if trains will not increase, so why double tracking is required?” he asked.
Stating that the former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had rejected to give consent to the three projects, Sardesai questioned Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant’s intentions in allowing the three linear projects.
“Western Ghats are a geologically sensitive area. We have been given to understand that the government is pushing solar power. If we are moving to solar power why do we need 400 kV transmission line by destroying forests?” he asked.
BJP MLA from Cortalim, Alina Saldanha, spoke in favour of the resolution saying that the people were suffering due to noise and coal pollution.
“The transportation of coal has caused pulmonary diseases. It is the bounden duty of the government to protect the interest of the people and hence I request my government to protect our people,” she said.
Saldanha said that due to double tracking, people will lose their heritage. “Why do we need double tracking as SWR lines are underused as trains are going empty? Please scrap this as South Goa will be destroyed with double tracking,” she said.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that the government is trying to divide the people on the issue of three linear projects. “The government is creating divide between North and South. The issue is far more than politics. This is a master plan to destroy Goa,” he said.
Lourenco also said that coal is being washed up on the beaches and the government needs to stop coal handling to save tourism.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte also took the State government head-on over their failure to provide cumulative impact of the linear projects on the State. Khaunte appealed to the State government to listen to the voice of the people.
Remembering former CM late Manohar Parrikar, Khaunte told the House that weak leadership is concern of the State today. “Is it a weak leadership that is our concern today? Strong leader is requirement of the day to take strong decisions,” Khaunte said.
The MLA reiterated that while the last year was of COVID, the current year would be that of agitations. “The projects which are not required for Goa or which compromise the environment should be scrapped,” he said pointing out that people, cutting across religious lines, have started hitting the streets against these projects.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao supported the resolution saying all 40 MLAs must resolve to oppose coal in Goa. “The projects are not good for Goa and I request the CM to scrap the projects,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat said there was no requirement of double tracking. “On the single line, we have just five passenger trains, then why have double track?” he asked.
He said the consultant’s Eckom report clearly states the double tracking is for coal transportation. “Why is the government making it a prestige issue when entire Goa does not want it? Do not force projects on the people, do not play with the sentiments with the people. ZP polls is not endorsement of three linear projects,” he said.
