Vasco: The Executive Committee of the newly formed “Goencho Ekvott” met on Saturday at Velsao to chalk out and plan the future course of action against the proposed doubling of the South Western Railway tracks and anti -coal movement.
The committee resolved to make an appeal to all the elected representatives of Goa including the MLAs and MPs to oppose the doubling of railway track project.
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During its first executive body’s meeting, the committee expressed their shock and dismay that during times of crises when the cases attributed to COVID-19 pandemic were on the rise, the government is taking full advantage of the lockdown and pushing through anti-people projects. The Convener of Goencho Ekvott, Creson Antao and the committee as a whole has resolved to appeal to all the elected representatives of Goa including the MLAs and MPs to oppose this project failing which they will be made answerable to the people’s court.
The Committee observed that anti-people’s projects such as doubling of tracks which is not only detrimental but also a big setback to the tourism industry which has been the backbone of Goa’s economy since the collapse of the mining industry and which itself is under severe strain on account of the pandemic.
Speaking over a video, Ella Mascarenhas from Arossim village said that she is affected with the doubling of railway track project as her house is in close proximity to the existing railway track.
She further said that her old mother has to go through sleepless nights due to the noise and the vibration that occur when trains pass along the track. “The coal which will be transported via these tracks will bring coal dust pollution and our children and residents will face health issues too”, she said.
Ella also appealed to the women and people from Goa to support their fight against the doubling of railway track project.
Lastly, Convener, Creson Antao and Executive Members Orville Dourado Rodrigues, Ella Mascarenhas, Jose Cabral, Dixon Vaz, Denver Dourado Rodrigues, Vivekanand Kantak, Capt. Francis Gouveia, Ashok Souza and Joe Vaz expressed their gratitude towards the various organisations across Goa who have extended their whole-hearted support in their fight against the destructive mega projects.
