Team Herald
CURCHOREM: Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral stated that the government has strongly objected to the coal hub and will not allow burning of coal in the State at any circumstances.
He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated fish market of Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, at Curchorem market, on Monday.
When the media persons asked him to comment on the midnight protest held by the people at Chandor, Cabral said that the Opposition parties and some NGOs are misleading the people that railway double tracking happening in Goa is to transport coal.
“Coal and double tracking are two different issues. If the people do not want to bring coal to Goa, it can be discussed with the chief minister but to stop double tracking work anticipating that coal will be brought to Goa is not correct,” said Cabral and informed that double tracking is taking place all across the country for the development of the States.
Stating that the same people during the Assembly election in 2017 were saying that coal will be brought to Assolda, near the old Nova Datu Factory, Cabral said that he had promised that he will never allow such activities in his constituency and the same way now will never allow to make Goa a coal hub.
“Due to double tracking many local issues which were pending for several years are going to be solved such as the underpasses and over bridges along the railway line,” said Cabral and assured to debate the issue with the concerned people on TV channels at any time.
“Due to COVID1-9 pandemic situation, the fish vendors were allowed to seat by the roadside and other areas but once the situation subside no one will be allowed,” said Cabral and informed that the council has temporarily proposed to have a fish and meat market near the CADA market where there will be sufficient parking space for the vehicles.
Chairperson Balkrishna (Pinty) Hodarkar said that the first part of the fish market which was renovated by investing Rs 14 lakh will give some better facilities to the fish vendors.
“We have only three days left in the office and we will discuss with the chief officer and see what can be done for the vendors who are seating by the roadside and other places,” said Hodarkar and appealed them to occupy the platforms in the fish market instead of seating anywhere in the open.
Speaking to the media persons, fish vendor Krupesh Halnkar said, “Not only local people but outsiders too sell fish illegally outside the fish market by the roadside.
