Citizens’ move ment Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN) has issued an ur gent call for Goans to unite against what it describes as the government’s inten sified efforts to turn Goa into a coal hub, disregard ing nearly a decade of sus tained opposition from res idents across the State. “Since 2016, Goans have waged a determined struggle against coal-linked and in dustrial expansion projects. GKN highlighted initiatives that pose significant threats to Goa’s ecology, livelihoods, and communities, includ ing dredging of Vasco Bay, double tracking of the South Western Railway (SWR), port expansion, construction of the new Borim bridge, and widening of NH-4A and NH 17B”, said environmental ac tivist Abhijit Prabhudesai. He further said that ad ditional concerns cited in clude river dredging, jetty construction at Xelvona, demarcation of High Tide Line (HTL) inside villages, roads through khazans, and removal of khazans from CRZ protection. GKN further alleged that the government has esca lated its efforts by granting clearances for capital dredg ing of Vasco Bay, approving doubling of coal berth ca pacity at Mormugao Port, and rushing land acquisition for the New Borim Bridge, primarily for coal transport. In response, Goyant Kollso Naka announced an awareness meeting at Lohia Maidan, Margao, on November 1 at 5 pm. The event aims to present fac tual information about the coal projects and their long-term impacts while mobilising public support to protect Goa. Addressing media per sons, Prabhudesai, along with several social activ ists including Anthony Sil va, Fredy Travaso, Xavier Fernandes, and others ex pressed confidence in the power of Goans to protect their land. “For nearly ten years, Goans have consistently op posed coal through protests, petitions, and public hear ings. Yet the government continues to push these de structive projects. This is not development; it is an assault on Goa’s environment, water, and people. I have full faith in the people of Goa that they will come out in large num bers to save our land from destruction. It’s time for every Goan to stand up and defend our future” he said. Supporting the move ment, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes empha sized the battle transcends political boundaries. “This battle is for the people of Goa and for future generations. It is not against any political party but to save Goa. We have participants from all parties, including the BJP. At the public meeting, we will explain the huge impact and destruction these projects will bring. We will take this battle to the highest level to save Goa,” he stated. Goyant Kollso Naka’s awareness campaign is ex pected to draw large crowds and unite citizens concerned about the environmental, social, and economic conse quences of coal-related pro jects. The group urged all Goans to attend the meeting at Lohia Maidan, Margao, to collectively defend Goa’s land, water, and heritage from industrial and ecolog ical degradation
Goyant Kollso Naka Calls on Goans to Unite Against Government’s Push to Turn Goa into Coal Hub
