Team Herald
MARGAO: Making it clear that they will not allow any unplanned or unwanted development that threatens their way of life, the residents of Sarzora launched a signature campaign strongly opposing the proposed railway station and submitted the petition to Velim MLA Cruz Silva to be forwarded to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
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On Monday, the locals gathered in large numbers and handed over the petition to the MLA, who visited them to hear their grievances. Expressing their concerns, the villagers argued that the new station would disrupt the peace of their tranquil village and lead to unplanned development.
The villagers demanded for the station proposal to be scrapped entirely. Their petition has also been forwarded to the Sarzora Panchayat for the official record.
In their petition, the villagers pointed out that Sarzora is an agricultural belt with vast paddy fields, coconut plantations, and a rich biodiversity that must be preserved.
“Sarzora is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, including leopards and medicinal plants. Any commercial development in the area will lead to the exploitation of natural resources,” read the petition signed by the villagers.
The villagers fear that the railway station, proposed to be built by Konkan Railway under the guise of improving passenger connectivity, is actually intended for the transport of coal, similar to the controversial South Western Railway (SWR) expansion plans that have been widely opposed in Goa.
“The Margao station is just eight kilometres away, and Balli station is even closer. There is no genuine need for another station here unless there is a hidden agenda,” the villagers added.
Sabita Mascarenhas, a Sarzora panch member, and other local residents also expressed concerns over an influx of migrants, unregulated commercial activity, and increased crime, which they believe would accompany the railway station.
“Our village has remained peaceful because we have resisted such projects in the past. We will not allow any unplanned or unwanted development that threatens our way of life,” the villagers added.
The MLA assured the villagers that he would convey their concerns to the CM. He also promised to investigate whether the proposed station was genuinely intended for passenger use or if there was another purpose behind it. Silva added that he would ask for data regarding passenger traffic on this route, given that the existing railway connectivity appears to be sufficient, thereby showing no justification for this new station at Sarzora.
