PANJIM: The Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN) on Thursday said Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant is fully aware or actively participating in the plans to make Goa a coal hub.
Goyant Kollso Naka expressed shock as the Chief Minister continues to feign ignorance regarding the government’s plans for coal transportation through Goa and related infrastructure.
In a press release, Antonio D’Silva, Abhijit Pabhudesai and Xavier Fernandes said they had written to the Chief Minister giving all the details and facts of the coal plans made by the government, hence the CM cannot claim innocence.
“Also, when the Union Railways Minister had asked last year whether the railway double-tracking for coal should be taken elsewhere because the people are not willing to give their land, instead of taking the opportunity to get rid of coal, the CM himself suggested to the Union government to invoke the colonial provisions of the Railways Act to forcibly acquire the land,” they said.
The release further stated that when the Environment Minister is on record stating that he knows the coal plans, how can the Chief Minister claim ignorance?
GKN said the CM has asked for a month to study coal plans, but has not stopped the ongoing infrastructure works, indicating that he is only buying time to continue with the coal plans.
