Goa has become transit point for drugs, says Narvekar

PORVORIM, JAN 21
Coming down heavily on the Home Department, Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar has stated that the department has brought disgrace to the State, as it has failed to abolish drug trafficking and maintain law and order.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a meeting of Goa Democratic Front at Porvorim.
“Murders and thefts are increasing in Goa day-by-day and Goa has become a transit point for drugs in India,” said Narvekar.
“While Home Department claims that no drugs are sold in Goa, the police are being caught selling drugs. Recently, a local daily has brought to light that drugs are being openly sold on the costal belt in North Goa,” stated the former minister.
“The police personnel who are arrested in connection with drugs are yet to be charge sheeted. The government should have declared war on drugs,” claimed Narvekar.
Speaking further, Narvekar said mining in Goa has destroyed forests and severely damaged valuable water resources.
“Entire villages have seen their crops destroyed by mine slurry and land reduced to desert. The annual turnover of mine owners in the State is about Rs 10,000 crore, while the budget of the State hovers about Rs 6,000 crores,” added Narvekar.
“Till 2007, the government used to get revenue to the tune of Rs 30 crore from the mining industry, but the State was spending about Rs 60 crore on maintenance of roads and infrastructure,” said Narvekar.
“Mining was under subsidy till 2007. When I became the finance minister, I levied a cess on mining due to which the State started getting revenue to the tune of Rs 500 crores every year,” he informed.
He further said that his decision invited wrath from the mine owners and he was compelled to resign.
“The government instead of downsizing mining operations is encouraging mining in the State. Proposals for seven new mining leases in Bardez and 23 new mining leases in Bicholim are pending before the government for its approval,” he said.
“There is likelihood that the government might clear these proposals before Assembly election to please the mining lobby,” claimed Narvekar.
Taking a dig at government’s decision to privatize District Hospital at Mapusa, Narvekar said he never expected that the government would take such a nasty decision.
“This hospital was conceptualised to provide free medical facilities to the people of North Goa. This hospital is a lifeline of North Goa. It is the duty of the government to take care of the health of its citizens,” he said.
“If the hospital is handed over to a private party on long-term basis, then locals will not get employment in the hospital,” said Narvekar.
“If the government fails to change its decision by January 26, then the people will intensify the agitation and future of course of action will be decided in the meeting which will be held at Mapusa taxi stand on January 29,” warned Narvekar.
ZP member Gupesh Naik also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Goa Democratic Forum President Edward D’Lima welcomed the gathering and appealed the people to join the Forum in large numbers to fight for justice. Amonker compered the programme.