Team Herald
VASCO: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa state Chief Elvis Gomes has claimed that the proposed double track railway line, proposed dredging of navigational channel by the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and the river nationalisation project, for which the State government is keen to sign an MoU with Centre and MPT, are inter-connected, with the main intension to increase import of coal in Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Gomes said that for a layman projects such as these may seem different, but in reality they are interconnected, with the State government working in the interest of coal importers.
“The dredging of the river is the main aim of the river nationalisation. We have peaceful rivers but they want to deepen the channel. Their basic interest is to see that coal import capacity is increased and once these channels are deepened they could quickly move coal to the hinterland. Similarly, with double track they want to double up coal transportation from Goa,” he said.
Commenting on the coal pollution issue in Vasco, Gomes said that coal pollution was a burning issue, which affected all. I think besides the elders, even the message by students is very clear, which has come out through the performances by students during an event organised recently.
Speaking further, he said the people of Goa have already woken up and have sent a clear message that they would not allow any further coal pollution in port town and will come out to object for any further expansions of coal handling at Mormugao Port.
AAP will continue to oppose the proposed projects he added.
