CUNCOLIM: Claiming that the three linear projects namely double tracking of rail lines, power transmission line and highway expansion are a big conspiracy to make Goa a coal hub, Goencho Avaaz co-convenor Capt Viriato Fernandes on Tuesday called upon the Cuncolim residents to stop the government from finishing the State’s ecology.

Speaking at the meeting “Goa against Coal” organised by Goencho Ekvott at Cuncolim Church compound on Tuesday evening, Capt Viriato explained how government is trying to make Goa a coal hub.

“The government wants to use waterways, roads and railways to get more and more coal into Goa to satisfy big business houses. The government first came out with river nationalisation and now wants to transport coal through the three

linear projects namely double tracking of rail lines, highway expansion and power transmission line. The government needs to supply power to five-engine trains which will be used for coal transportation. When Goa has surplus power, why do we need the extra 400 kv line,” Capt Viriato questioned.

Viriato, in his speech, making a reference to local MLA Clafasio Dias and aspiring MLA Yuri Alemao, said that on the way to Cuncolim he kept asking people for directions to the jumping city. When asked what was jumping city he said that since the MLA had jumped and the person who aspired to be the next MLA had also jumped, Cuncolim was now known as jumping city.

In a power-point presentation, Fr Bolmax Pereira showed how destruction of nature is responsible for pandemic like COVID-19.

“If we fail to protect our forests it is sure that next pandemic will destroy us. So wake up and get ready to stop this destruction”, Fr Bolmax urged the locals.

Goencho Ekvott convenor Creson Antao, Dr Jorson Fernandes and others spoke.