MARGAO: The Arossim locals who were protesting the destructive construction work near the St Sebastian Chapel suffered a setback as the railway authorities recommenced with their double-tracking work on Tuesday, bolstered by heavy police protection, which included a line of six pink police vehicles parked at the site.
Even the Mormugao Mamlatdar who had earlier managed to get the railway officials to stop the work temporarily informed the locals that he has no authority to stop the work as it is a central project. This was reiterated by the Mormugao Deputy (Dy) Collector as well.
While the substantial police presence took the steam out of the Arossim protests, the Railway Police have filed serious offences against villagers from the neighbouring village of Velsao, who have also been protesting the double tracking works.
The anguished locals lamented that the work commenced despite their discussions with the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), South Western Railway (SWR) Railway Police and Verna Police.
“We had asked the Dy Collector to get the Water Resources Department (WRD) to inspect the site and to keep the work on hold until that time, but they said the work cannot be stopped. However, they said that they will send a letter to WRD and that the Verna Police Inspector would tell us when WRD confirms their site inspection,” said local resident Anthony Da Silva.
“We had also brought to the notice of the Dy Collector that there was another place in Arossim, where RVNL had constructed a culvert/ bridge by destroying a huge waterbody. So, when WRD visits Arossim, they will inspect that site too,” Da Silva added.
It may be recalled that the locals had gathered near the heritage St Lawrence Chapel for nearly a week to oppose the double tracking and related works, such as the proposed underpass subway, as they feared it would lead to the flooding of the village in the monsoon months. The locals asserted that they want their issues addressed as they are the ones who will have to suffer the consequences later on, and added they have been repeatedly warned that police cases will be lodged against them for their dissent. “Is this the manner to treat us?” said a villager, expressing disappointment in the system.
