Team Herald
PANJIM: The Neura Gram Sabha, unanimously opposed the proposed construction of a railway station in the ecologically sensitive Khazan lands.
Villagers expressed deep concerns over the project, citing the potential devastation to local agriculture and the surrounding ecosystem. They voiced their dissent with the slogan, "Amka Naka, Amka Naka, Railway Station Naka" (We do not want the railway station).
Speaking to the press, Neura Sarpanch Manisha Naik stated, “Our position has been consistent from the outset—we do not require another railway station. There are agricultural fields here, and an existing station is located not far from our village. Establishing a new station would endanger local crops and disrupt the environment. The entire panchayat is united in its opposition.”
Naik further emphasised, "Accordingly, we have passed a resolution rejecting the proposal. Our stance is unwavering, and we are prepared to escalate the matter to higher authorities in consultation with our MLA if necessary."
In the wake of the Union Budget, Konkan Railway announced plans to develop three new stations in Goa over the next three years, namely at Sarzora, Neura and Mayem.
The proposed developments sparked debate during the winter session of the State Assembly, with MLAs Cruz Silva, Viresh Borkar and Venzy Viegas expressing apprehensions regarding the potential harm to Goa's fragile ecology.
Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the public that no coal would be handled at any of the new stations along the Konkan Railway line. "These fears are unfounded," Sawant remarked, drawing a comparison to similar apprehensions voiced during the establishment of the Konkan Railway in 1993-94.