PORVORIM: The contentious three linear projects echoed in the ongoing monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly with the Opposition demanding that the government roll back the projects in the interest of the people. The legislators claimed that coal transportation has largely affected the health of the people of Vasco and Mormugao while pitching their strong objection to the projects, which has also come under the scanner of the Supreme Court.
The legislators, during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address, claimed that doubling railway tracks, a national highway, and the Tamnar power plant will only lead to Goa’s destruction.
“See the amount of coal pollution. The government and the transporters claim otherwise but in all humility, reconsider the projects. Listen to the problems of the people,” MLA Aleixo Sequeira told the House while moving an amendment to the motion.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar highlighted the ill effects of coal transportation on the health of the residents including children. “Coal movement should be stopped completely because this has resulted in pollution in Vasco and Mormugao. The government has not spoken about it but the reality is that the people are suffering. Small children are suffering from asthma,” he said urging the govt to stop converting Goa into a coal hub.
Congress’ MLAs Rudolf Fernandes (St Cruz), Cruz Silva (Velim), and Yuri Alemao (Cuncolim), and Revolutionary Goans’ MLA from St Andre Viresh Borkar, also demanded the scrapping of the linear projects.
