MARGAO: The notification issued by the Revenue Department for a survey to provide survey numbers to the South Western Railway (SWR) in South Goa has faced criticism from those opposing the double tracking work. Local residents living near the railway tracks are particularly upset, as they feel that the state government has ignored their grievances while taking steps in favour of the railways. The survey is likely to cause further problems for the citizens affected by the project.
“For years now, people have been objecting to encroachment of private property by the railways, who have also damaged natural resources like water bodies and trees and more recently the age-old storm water drains. Complaints filed by locals are not entertained by the authorities. Our biggest grouse is that railways are operating on land that does not belong to them. And now there is proof that Railways do not have survey numbers and instead of taking action against them, the government is giving the survey numbers,” said Neville Fernandes from Margao.
“How shameless is this government? It’s ridiculous that this anti-people government is hell bent to sell off Gan land and Goans to the crony capitalists? The same government who turned a blind eye and deaf ear to people’s cries for more the two years is acting extra swiftly to legalise the robbery of RVNL. Disgusting!” said Dr Fr Bolmax Pereira, Convenor, Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE), Goa.
“There are so many issues that the government can look into. Look at how daily life of commuters is hampered by the number of times the level crossings are closed. Look at the pollution caused by the passing of these coal-laden trucks. In the last Assembly session, the Revenue Minister said he would look into the ownership details of South Western Railways but look at what they have done now. Is this a government for the people of Goa or the railways,” said Joseph Menezes from Sao Jose de Areal.
