PANJIM: Former State Minister for Environment and Forest Aleixo Sequeira has raised strong objection to double tracking of South Western Railway from Castle Rock to Collem passing through the protected areas of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park and further from Collem to Vasco.
Addressing media persons on Wednesday, Sequeira said that the double tracking of railway line will lead to major inconvenience to the locals and destruction of flora and fauna. “The Congress stands with the demand of people and oppose the double tracking of the railway line. We need to be sensitive towards the demands of people and environment while promoting development,” he said.
Admitting that industrialisation has contributed immensely to the economic development of the State, the former MLA said the process of development should be “sustainable” and in the “interest of its people”.
“To allow transportation of coal and iron ore, one cannot destroy environment. People sentiments also need to be respected. Development or industrialisation at the cost of environment and people’s lives cannot be welcomed,” he said.
Sequeira pointed out that the people of Vasco are already suffering due to coal pollution and the existing single-railway line itself is a “nuisance”.
The Congress leader opined that government can explore inland waterways for transportation of coal and iron ore, if required, thereby reducing the necessity of double tracking of railway line.
