Team Herald
MARGAO: Upset that the government is pressing ahead with the railway project in São José de Areal, villagers have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Konkan Railway station, yard, and goods shed in their agrarian village.
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Residents have also called for an immediate halt to the transportation of coal by both road and rail. They further demanded the cessation of all ongoing coal-related projects in São José de Areal and across Goa.
On Wednesday, the villagers made a heartfelt appeal to South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes and handed over a memorandum outlining several concerns affecting both their village and the State.
The MP assured the villagers that he would raise the issue with the Chairman and Managing Director of the Konkan Railway Corporation next week.
The memorandum also highlighted the Railways’ heedless treatment of the projects planned here, pointing out that the proposed station on the South Central Railway line was incorrectly labelled as “SAN JUJE DA AREYAL” instead of its correct name, ‘São José de Areal.’
Additionally, the villagers reiterated their long-standing demand for Goa to be granted special status, as previously assured by the Prime Minister. They called for stronger protection of the State’s natural resources, including forests, agricultural land, water bodies, and mountains. They also insisted that no land zoning changes or conversions be permitted in the village.
The memorandum listed several other demands, including the establishment of a market complex, a community centre, and a sports academy. The villagers also requested that a programme be organised to educate them about various schemes available through the MPLAD Fund, as well as employment opportunities for the youth under the Central Government of India.
Further, the villagers urged authorities to install CCTV cameras at key locations in the village and at the panchayat office. They also called for the beautification of the heritage Portuguese-era bridge. Addressing another pressing concern, the villagers sought solutions to the ongoing water crisis affecting both their village and the state. Additionally, they requested assistance for persons with disabilities in accessing amenities available under the MPLAD Fund.
