PANJIM: Goencho Avaaz (GA) on Wednesday slammed Dr Pramod Sawant-led government for its planned Rs 100 crore expenditure on 60th Liberation Day celebrations.
In a joint press note, co-convenors Capt Viriato Fernandes and Swapnesh Sherlekar said, “It is a sad reality that the Pramod Sawant-led government has failed to inspire confidence in its sincerity, intention or capability to protect the interests of Goa and Goans against the anti-people and environmentally destructive plans of the Central Government. “
“Today, 60 years after Goa’s “liberation”, as the State swiftly slides into a swamp of mismanagement on every front that has left it tottering under a debt burden of Rs 25,000 crore, largely accumulated for past celebrations, alleged corruption and acute fiscal profligacy, the CM now seeks to further undermine the respect of Goans and turn them into beggars by appealing for dole of Rs 100 crore from the Centre,” they alleged.
They charged that the dole is not to improve the distressing economic condition of the State, but to burn a further huge amount on year long celebrations of its 60th year of liberation.
“This is a harsh and cruel joke on the people of Goa, who are protesting in all corners of the land and struggling for their very survival on all fronts. What exactly is Dr Pramod Sawant celebrating? Surely he is aware that the grandiose of the so called “development” plans of the Central government that are being pushed through unilaterally, are taking over and destroying our land, our waterways, our forests, our protected areas our health and our heritage,” they said.
Goencho Avaaz said the traditional occupations are being wiped out, even as the CM recklessly promises 10,000 jobs, that he will presumably conjure out of thin air.
“Just because ZP elections are in the offing, Goa cannot be made to bear the burden of further financial expenditure. The “feel good” factor that Dr Pramod Sawant is trying to distract the people of Goa with, has long passed its expiry date,” they claimed.
“It is preposterous that Dr Sawant and Nilesh Cabral are now, citing future power shortages in the State to justify the destruction of thousands of trees for the Tamnar 400 KV power project. It was this very government that knowingly and callously implemented foolhardy decisions like notification of the destructive RP 2021 and 16B conversions, without any thought or consideration for the carrying capacity of Goa with respect to power and water supply and Goa’s limited land holdings,” the charged.
“It is imperative that the CM explains and justifies to the people of Goa, the grounds on which he is claiming that there will be power shortage from next year, necessitating the destruction of 12,000 trees! Or is it long term planning for future requirement which will grow at the rate of 5% per year as stated by Nilesh Cabral? Even in these circumstances, however, it will take us many years to exhaust the present power we are receiving,” Goencho Avaaz said.
They said that by now, through analysis of RTI documents, the people of Goa have understood that the transmission line is meant to cater to the requirements of the railway, in its endeavour to facilitate coal transportation.
“The people are also aware that Nilesh Cabral is the person entrusted with the charge of pushing through the double tracking done by virtue of his being a nominee on board of South Western Railways. Is it not quid pro quo that he is pushing for the double tracking and also the transmission line? Was this task that has been entrusted to Nilesh Cabral well thought of while giving him charge of both the Power ministry as well as the Environment ministry,” they asked.
