Team Herald
vasco: Cortalim BJP MLA Alina Saldhana has asked a series of questions to her party colleague and former BJP MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker, after reading his statements offering support to the three linear projects through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and the Doubling of South Western Railway (SWR) tracks.
Saldhana has requested the BJP spokesperson to answer her questions. She asked Kuncalienker to clarify whether he is aware that Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park are at the confluence of Northern and Southern Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, which are acclaimed as Universal Biodiversity hotspots.
“Is Sidharth Kuncalienker aware what destruction these three linear projects i.e. widening of NH4A, laying of transmission lines and Doubling of SWR tracks through South Goa, will create within the largest protected area including destruction of endemic flora & fauna species and the livelihoods of the people living within these protected areas? Let us not forget that what we do today will have an adverse effect on the environment and our future generation will have to bear the brunt of it”, Saldhana opined.
“Does the dot-sized State of Goa, 51.8 times and 82.9 times smaller than its neighboring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, have the carrying capacity to contain these mega projects without colossal negative impact on itself? Does Sidharth care about the negative impact Doubling of the SWR tracks through South Goa will have on the houses along the tracks, once the tracks are doubled, landing the tracks in many cases almost on the doorsteps of these houses?,” she questioned.
Saldhana also asked him to comment about what will be the ‘impact of increased levels of coal dust pollution and noise pollution on the health of the people of South Goa, especially with respect to coal dust pollution as moving air will carry the pollutant’.
“These are the same people whose ancestors gave their land for laying of the Meter Gauge by the Portuguese colonialists. Should the same people keep suffering further just to fulfill the need of coal transportation to Karnataka for the benefit of the well-known industrialists?” she asked.
“What about the destruction of South Goa’s Heritage as most of the centuries’ old houses along the tracks will eventually be wiped out? What about the security of life of the people residing along these tracks, especially after doubling? Presently, youngsters cross the tracks by crawling under the parked trains,” she said.
Saldanha, also highlighted that presently, the existing SWR tracks fulfill the needs of the state vis-à-vis local and interstate passengers and goods transportation. “Has the State government made a study of the advantages/disadvantages of doubling of SWR tracks vis-à-vis the destruction that will be wrought over the villages of South Goa? Has the Central government and the State government made a study of the possible alternative routes for coal transportation to Karnataka? There are many solutions to this problem without having to destroy Goa. Lastly, would Sidharth support the doubling of SWR tracks through South Goa if his house was located along the SWR alignment?” she asked.
Saldhana added that people elect a government to progress, not to regress.
“Having a home in a safe and healthy environment is everyone’s dream. Let us be fair and just to all. Everyone has the right to a healthy and peaceful environment in which to live. Let justice prevail! Democracy is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. Let us listen to the voice of the people,” she added.
