Team Herald
MARGAO: The Dramapur Sirlim panchayat at its last monthly meeting unanimously resolved against a port at Betul, nationalization of Goan rivers and also the setting up of a coal hub at Mormugao harbor on grounds that all there are not in the interest of Goa or Goans.
Sarpanch Bernardo Rebello and former Sarpanch Domnick Noronha speaking to media persons said Goa being a tiny State it was mandatory to think deeply about any project being setting up in Goa in terms of whether the State can afford it or not.
“A carrying capacity study has to be undertaken and surely Goa will not be able to carry these three projects,” said Domnick. Bernardo argued that they were not anti-development but were interested in protecting Goa as it is for the future generations.
He said the coal hub at Mormugao would destroy the fishermen therefore killing their livelihood while nationalization of the rivers would bring Goa under the influence and reign of foreigners and take everything away from the purview of Goans.
“Goa attracts so many tourists because of our hospitable nature and if outsiders start controlling everything then we may as well say goodbye to tourism in Goa,” said Bernardo
