MARGAO: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar on Sunday alleged that the “defective” BJP government under Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant is all out to convert Goa into coal hub to please Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s crony club.
He said, “The Congress is committed to protect people’s health and natural wealth and also committed to oppose all such moves which will damage beautiful Goa.”
Girish said, “The Congress will not allow the “anti-people” BJP governments in Goa and at the Centre to destroy the beautiful Goa by converting the tiny State into black cargo hub.”
Chodankar has extended support to the ongoing agitation of people opposing governments’ attempts to create additional infrastructure in Goa to increase the capacity of coal transportation.
“The State and Central Governments are pushing Goans into death trap by allowing the railway double tracking, which will kill thousands of trees and damage environment. The health of the people will be seriously affected due to dust pollution,” he claimed.
Girish informed that there is no scientific study done by the BJP government to assess the impact on public health and environment after the proposed railway double tracking, Sagarmala project and National Highways to create committed coal track work is taken up. The government is “deliberately” not doing the study as they know for sure that the outcome of the study will show damage to people’s health and nature” Chodankar charged.
The Congress alleged that there are vested interests of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and his cabinet colleagues as well as the top BJP office bearers in coal transportation.
“We strongly condemn the insensitive statements of CM Dr Pramod Sawant and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho advising Railways to enforce Railway Laws in Goa. I want to remind both of them that the laws are made for the benefit of people and can be bent if they are not protecting people’s interests. Goans will not get frightened with such pressure tactics,” Chodankar said.
