MARGAO: Opposing the double tracking bid of the South Western Railway, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on Friday said it is a disgrace that the government has cared two hoots for the vision of former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar who had publicly expressed his opposition to the double tracking proposal and refused permission, even to the extent of calling it a “fraud by Mormugao Port Trust”.
“The Central government through the Ministry of Railways has recently notified the acquisition of land in Salcete and Mormugao Talukas under the Railways Act for double tracking of the Hospet to Vasco da Gama railway tracks. Such action is unprecedented post the enactment of Right to Fair Compensation in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, the Railways Act having been invoked to forcibly suppress and overrun widespread public opposition to the proposal,” alleged Reginaldo in a letter written to the Chief Minister.
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“I think it is a crying shame that our State government, instead of protecting the aspirations, opinion and interests of the Goan people, has surrendered itself to the interests of corporates having steel plants in the Karnataka hinterland. With double tracking, the enabling of the coal hub and transportation corridor in Goa would be complete,” Reginaldo stated while criticising the government.
“Mauvin Godinho being an elected MLA from Cortalim Constituency for three terms, it is incumbent on you to ensure that the apprehensions, opinions and objections of the people from your erstwhile constituency are respected and given effect to. You had sought election in this constituency for the first time claiming to be the ‘grandson’ of Velsao. Now is the time to invoke the son-of-the-soil within you and oppose this rank destruction of your village and Goa,” urged the MLA.
“Alina Saldanha, I understand your helplessness being a member of the BJP party. The government and your party have run roughshod over your apparent opposition to the project. I am sure late Matanhy would have fought against the double-tracking in his village tooth and nail. I am with you and am ready to join you in taking this people’s battle to the streets, if need be,” mentioned Reginaldo while addressing the Cortalim MLA.
“The people of Goa are watching. Land acquisition under the Railways Act is impossible without tacit cooperation of the State government. And please do not mislead the people that double tracking is required for tourism development in State etc. Its sole purpose is coal transportation and coal transportation alone. Permitting it would be a historical blunder that will be remembered for generations to come,” warned the Curtorim MLA.
