Vasco: Power Minister Nilesh Cabral extended support to Cortalim BJP MLA Alina Saldanha in opposing coal transportation but added that double tracking is needed.
He said a double track, 400kv high tension power line are needed for coming times and if there are any problems then amicable solutions need to be found.
“Double tracking is linked to the railway to the Port, but people’s conception that the double tracking is just for coal transportation is wrong. Sagarmala report put up at the Central govt’s website, and the consultant has mentioned about the maximum things which could be done in the Port and how the revenue could be generated,” he said.
The available report on the website is made by the consultant and after going through this it is obvious that some activists and NGOs might have got the wrong impression, but it is Central govt’s project. Whether to implement all those things or not is with the Central govt which they will inquire with the State government,” he added.
He further assured that things which Goa does not want, will not be allowed.
“Already the process is on to obtain a letter from the Central government that certain things from Sagarmala project which have been projected on the website in Goa’s Port, won’t be allowed. The MPT chairman also shared a letter with me in which the outer Port, Betul Port and several other things will be dropped. The maintenance dredging will continue but there won’t be capital dredging, this is mentioned in that letter which is addressed to the Shipping Ministry,” he added.
Commenting on coal, he said, “We don’t want coal and the quantity which is coming, we may think of finding means to decrease the quantity of coal which is coming. We are seeing that the 12 million metric tonne coal which was coming before should not increase”.
When asked about high tension power line, Cabral said, “the 400kv high tension line is needed to Goa. Every year there is a five% increase in the power consumption from the previous year. If the railway uses electricity for running then the diesel engines will be outdated and there won’t be pollution. Even I feel an MOU could be signed between the project proponent and the State govt wherever the trees are being cut on those places three times in number plantation could be done”.
The FIR being filed against the protestors opposing the double tracking, he said, “it is a part and parcel of the law and no one can take law in their hands. Tomorrow if I break the law then I will also have to face action like any other common man.”
He further said whenever there are agitations and movements; leaders of the movements most of the time get arrested which is a part of the movement. It is also known that there is a demand to withdraw these FIRs before Chief Minister. All these things will be seen by Chief Minister who is also the Home minister. Let the minister take a call on this issue.
Commenting on MLA Saldanha, who is openly opposing double tracking, Cabral said, “every individual may have different views but it needs to meet at one point, when the MLA is fearing and claiming that certain houses will go because of double tracking, then we must sit and find the solution to save these houses. In my constituency there were some issues related to underpass, etc, but after meeting people, problems were sorted out”.
“Coal will not come to Goa. This is my stand and tomorrow if this doesn’t happen then I will be with Alina in stopping coal. But double track is a necessity. We have to find an amicable solution for problems. I am with her for opposing coal,” he added.
