VASCO: The Chicalim Panchayat passed a resolution opposing the doubling of the railway tracks from Margao to Vasco, as it claimed that the same was meant only to benefit a few industrialists dealing in coal and for their profits.
In the press release, Chicalim Sarpanch Sebestiao Pereira said, “The Panchayat was alarmed at the likelihood of a large number of houses of Goans including heritage houses and structure that will face demolition.”
One of the senior members, Maria Mascarenhas said, “Such ill-planned development that will cause harm to the people of Goa will not be accepted.”
Robert Falcao, a ward member said, “The panchayats have to be consulted before arriving at such decisions, as the ward members are closely in touch with the people and know what is beneficial to the people. Such arbitrary and undemocratic decisions will be opposed tooth and nail.”
Damiao Rodrigues, another panch said, “The pollution from the coal meant for industrial use for industries outside Goa will cause serious health problems for the locals in and around the villages through which the trains carrying the coal wagons pass.”
The panchas assured the people that they will stand by them and the people of Goa at large and never allow such destructive projects to be brought in at the cost of the people’s safety and needs.
They vowed to join the people in protests if need be and do whatever possible to save the village and ensure that the welfare of the villagers is kept uppermost.
