Chandor protest created history
Just when we thought it was all over it came like the bolt from the blue, Chandor protest by more than 7,000 Goans who were against the double tracking which was carried out illegally took a 180-degrees turn when the Supreme Court revoked the NWB’s approval in favour of the people and scrapping the destructive project that had a motive against the environment just to satisfy some dictation from companies. SC today has intensified its hold of being Supreme when it comes to democracy and fulfilling the need of listening to the voice of the people.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
A ray of hope emerged into the hearts of Goans considering the gravity of the upheld Law and order by the SC has truly given leverage to Democracy.
November 1, 2020 a day that Goans came together has marked a date that has created history by proving that the power of the people is Supreme and that the term which is long forgotten “Government Servant” is reminded . We need to be the warriors that enforce our rights through the Panchayat that is being manipulated by politicians and not to allow these culprits to influence what is right.
Unity can do everything possible what seems impossible considering the fact that unity of Goans in the Chandor protest created history.
Savio D’Costa, Chandor
A victory for people’s power
In a landmark decision related to the double tracking project, the Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee. In its report, the CEC raised serious concern over the double-tracking of the railway line from Castle Rock to Kulem stating the project would “destroy the fragile eco-system of the Western Ghats”, recommending the project be scrapped.
It is definitely a victorious moment for the people of Goa and its precious biodiversity. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a victory for people’s power! Goans need to continue to keep fighting against the greedy politicians, corporate polluters, and the government which puts profits over people and the environment. Let’s hope this ruling will be the death knell for vested interests whose intention is to destroy Goa’s biodiversity.
Anish Esteves, Mumbai
With courts around, we have no fear
The Supreme Court verdict on the Railway double tracking is a victory for the sustained People’s struggle and the Rule of law. We need to salute all those who against all odds relentlessly toiled for the sake of Goa and its now fragile environment.
Goa has been a beautiful accident of history endowed with abundant resources. But selfishness and foolishness by those in power has brought our State to a stage in history when one day Mother Nature may crack the whip and Goa, already threatened by sea level rise, would simply be wiped out from the face of this planet. Before that happens, let better sense prevail.
Let us thank God that we have a Judiciary, otherwise with an autocratic and despotic government at the helm Goa would have been anarchy. We need to be always reminded of those words of Justice Gautam Patel and Justice Nutan Sardessai ‘Goa is a land worth fighting for’.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Option for LPG cylinders
With the price of LPG cylinders shooting through the kitchen roof, the poor are hard pressed to cook their frugal meals. While the govt has ensured that the humble poor man’s chula is no longer an option, it has not thought of a plan B to insulate the poor from skyrocketing gas prices.
I suggest a scheme which may seem hair brained, but with our huge pool of technocrats and IITs, I’m sure it will work. I suggest that our IITs be asked to work on a technology to bottle Liquefied Gobar Gas in small LPG cylinders, like the 5 kg cylinders. The pilot schemes can be tried out in the hundreds of cow shelters in the country. If it works, the cow shelters will be self supporting or atmanirbhar.
Robert Castellino, Calangute
Goans happy with SC verdict
It was nice to see that the Supreme Court has given justice to the people of Goa who were protesting to protect and save the environment and Goa which has to be destroyed by the double tracking project by the railway authority to keep the top businessman happy by hurting the common man and animals. As we all know that during the Pandemic time how our government and railway authority kept us inside the houses and done the railway double tracking project job so fast by force.
Supreme Court verdict to cancel the double tracking project was welcome by the people of Goa and the government of Goa should not go ahead with the projects which will destroy the houses of innocent people of Goa and are harmful to the environment. The double tracking protest in Chandor was the successful protest and it will always remain in the history of Goa forever. Great job done by the people of Goa, NGOs and the activists. Goa police department and the government of Goa along with railway authority should take back the FIR cases which was filed during the Chandor protest. Funny thing is that the FIR cases was registered on only five persons, when there were around 7,000 people on the railway track to protest with dol and candles in their hands.
Thank you everyone for participating to save our mother land, our environment, our houses and our health. Only we the people of Goa can save our planet and not the greedy politicians who are always in hurry for power and money. God bless our smallest State of Goa.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
NH 17 needs urgent repairs
Work on the NH17 Highway on the Karwar side began before the Coronavirus. It was readied during the Covid Lockdown. The Goa side of the highway now remains to be tarred and ready for use. The Karwar side of the highway was also widened. While two-laning may not be possible on the Goa side, broader roads could prove to be a blessing. It will allow vehicles to safely pullover to the side.
The road from Cuncolim in South Goa via Balli to Canacona needs urgent repairs. Driving a vehicle on the road can be precarious and tricky. Canacona is fast emerging as an international tourist destination. Hence it is important to have roads in good condition. Good lighting along the way is also needed.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
Praying for souls of Covid-19 victims
During the past many days there have been several advertisements of ‘First Death Anniversary’ appearing in the obituary page of ‘Herald’. Most of these advertisements are probably of those unfortunate victims who fell prey to the deadly ‘Delta’ variant of the novel Coronavirus which played havoc with the lives of Goans and indeed citizens all over the country in 2021. Those who lost the battle to the deadly virus last year are being remembered by their loved ones on their first death anniversary.
It may be recalled that in April-May of 2021 there was absolute chaos in the State as there was an acute shortage of oxygen cylinders and many probably died gasping for breath. The virus is still around but the infection is not as deadly as it was during the second wave.
Medical experts have warned of a probable fourth wave in June-July. One only hopes that time will prove these experts wrong and the expected fourth-wave will never occur. In the meantime let us pray for their souls.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
