MARGAO: Against the backdrop of some MLAs having moved resolutions against the three linear projects, Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN) has called upon all 40 MLAs, across party lines, to unitedly resolve during the forthcoming Assembly session to scrap the three linear projects in order to save Goa from the grave threat of being converted into a coal hub.
“We call upon all the 40 MLAs to demonstrate to the people their commitment towards Goa by stepping over party lines and overcoming other small divides to fulfil the popular demand and need of the hour by scrapping the three linear projects,” said GKN members while addressing mediapersons on Friday.
The GKN pointed out that they had served memorandums to all 40 MLAs, met with 36 of them and received assurances from 34 MLAs that they support stopping the railway double tracking project.
They added all the citizens of Goa are expecting these legislators to fulfil this commitment. GKN further added they are continuing to engage with 12 MLAs whose constituencies are affected by the railway track doubling works.
“The three linear projects of double tracking, transmission lines and NH-4A widening are all unnecessary for Goa and will invite great disaster for Goa and must therefore be scrapped, which is both logical and the concerned people’s demand,” said Abhijit Prabhudesai of GKN.
“GKN reminds the legislators that being representatives of the people they are bound to ensure that the well-being of the people and the struggles of the defenders of the land and environment are respected and achieved in the coming Assembly session,” added Diana Tavares.
The GKN members also referred to how the double tracking project had been exposed after the recent Supreme Court (SC) verdict in which it was made clear that the project is only for coal transportation to Karnataka and thus the Apex Court had asked that the coal to be transported from Krishnapatnam Port on the east coast, and not Goa.
The GKN members also detailed why the other two linear projects, the transmission lines and NH-4A widening are also not required and wide-spread environmental destruction it will cause.
