PANJIM: Amidst growing protest against the proposed double-tracking of railway line from Hospet to Vasco, MGP has come out in support of the railway project while announcing its opposition to the coal handling.
The MGP is the only political opponent that has extended its support to the double-tracking so far, while Congress, GFP and NCP have stood with the people, opposing the project.
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Addressing media persons, MGP’s Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar said the party is not against the double-tracking of railway lines but against coal handling.
“We cannot allow coal to be handled in Goa for transportation to Karnataka’s thermal power plant,” he said.
Dhavalikar said that in 1987, a total of 1.5 million tonnes of coal was handled by Goa port, for domestic consumption.
“The requirement today might see a sharp rise to 2.5 million tonnes. This much is enough for the State,” he said.
“MPT can explore various other alternate activities to bring itself under profit,” he said.
The former Deputy Chief Minister, however, maintained that double-tracking of railway lines will help the State in a big way.
“We need the double-tracking project. We import several food grains, whose prices are skyrocketing due to high transportation cost. The double railway line will help reduce the transportation cost making the essential commodities available at lower price,” he said.
“Also, the tourist inflow will increase,” he added.
Dhavalikar further asserted that coal handling needs to be stopped in the State.
“But the government, which is run by its bosses in New Delhi, cannot do it. Only a regional party led government will be in position to take such drastic steps towards betterment of the State and its people,” he commented.
Speaking further, Dhavalikar reiterated the need to call for an immediate session of the Goa Legislative Assembly to discuss various issues concerning the State including the three liner projects passing through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
“I request the Governor, the Speaker and the Chief Minister to summon the session next month. It is very important that the facts about Mollem projects are before public,” he said.
Speaking about upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, Dhavalikar said that MGP is confident of winning 12 seats with comfortable margin, out of 17 it has contested.
He added that the ZP polls are the semi-finals before the State Assembly elections, due in 2022.
