Team Herald
MARGAO: Four years after thousands of Goans gathered in a midnight protest at Chandor against railway double-tracking projects, environmental activists continue to face trial before the JMFC in Margao. The case, which has reached its arguments stage, will proceed with its next hearing November 14, with South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes and nine other activists in the dock.
The MP said that he will continue to attend the cases along with the other accused and not opt to use parliamentary privileges that could have exempted him from court appearances. The case revolves around charges of unlawful assembly filed by the Maina-Curtorim police and Railway Police against a handful of people from the thousands protesting against the railway double-tracking projects. Activists argue that the track expansion would facilitate increased coal transportation.
The protest emerged in response to the Sagarmala project, which activists claim was designed to transform Goa into a coal hub. The midnight gathering at Chandor was a reaction to the then District Magistrate Ajit Roy's public notice about a five-hour railway crossing closure from midnight till 5 am.
Environmentalist Abhijit Prabhudesai, another prominent defendant in the case, has challenged the legitimacy of these charges, highlighting a critical detail: the District Collector had already issued an official notification closing the Chandor railway crossing road during the protest period of November 1-2, 2020, so there was no question of the protesters obstructing traffic.
Despite parts of the track being laid, activists say their defiance remains unabated, vowing to thwart what they describe as "covert and overt plans" by crony capitalists to exploit Goa's coastline.
Offering a broader perspective, Fernandes pointed out that several cases challenging the double-tracking project remain pending before the Bombay High Court.
Environmental groups noted that while authorities have proceeded with double-tracking in certain sections, the project remains stalled in crucial Western Ghats areas, which has significantly impeded original plans for massive coal imports through Mormugao Port.
Resistance continues to simmer, with villagers in areas like Velsao continuing to maintain their opposition to the remaining portion of the track expansion plans.