VASCO: The Goa Against Coal (GAC), a citizens and NGO’s group fighting against coal pollution in Vasco, criticized former Panjim MLA Siddarth Kuncalienkar on Friday for his pro coal statement on the floor of the house. GAC felt that if Kuncalienker feels coal is an integral part of electricity and people have been simply opposing then he ought to stay with their families in Vasco for two years and then speak about the importance of coal in Goa.
It may be recalled that Kuncalienkar while speaking during the discussion and passing of Goa Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (GST) on the Floor of the House on May 9 2017, had indirectly extended his support to the MPT’s proposed coal berth expansion project. He said that “Now days there is opposition for everything you propose to do. There was opposition even to the Saligao waste treatment plant, national highway expansion and now there is opposition to coal. Coal is an integral part of electricity, we need power, we just cannot keep opposing for the sake of opposition”
While addressing a press conference in Vasco, GAC Convenor Custodio D’ Souza said “First of all we condemn the pro coal statement made by Kuncalienker. We feel Kuncalienker has been making statements on coal without knowing the ground reality on dust pollution faced by the people of the port town. Now as he has already resigned and as he might be having enough free time, we want to invite him to Vasco for a long stay. If he wants we can provide him with rented accommodation at Headland sada where Kuncalienker can come and stay for two years.
