South Goa MP launches tirade against govt

Team Herald

MARGAO: South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha  questioned the State on various issues  and called on the govt to open their eyes and find resolutions. 

He also said he was shocked to hear about the Navy’s restrictions on high-rise building in 20 kms radius of the airbase."I don't understand what they are intending to do.  That means, till Agassaim there will be restrictions on constructions,”he said, while advising the Navy not to try and run the State.

Sardinha expressed concern over the rise in dengue  cases and demanded that the health dept places emphasis on areas where dengue has spread. “I request the Minister to make a separate place for dengue patients in GMC before it turns into an epidemic,” he added. 

On sand extraction in Goa, Sardinha alleged that extraction of sand hasn't stopped and that corrupt officials continue to make money. 

"I can understand places close to the banks, bridges and 100 metres away as I know it will cause erosion. They should allow other places. Dredging is done if river channels are not deep. Such rivers extraction should be allowed.  Authorities must survey and give licence to extract. As it is the prices have skyrocketed and people have no place to go to find sand for the construction of their houses. Govt should control the trade as once the prices go up, it will never come down" he added. 

He also turned his attention on the potholed roads and criticised the govt for only giving assurances. 

"Govt must not forget IFFI is close and I hope they do it before Diwali and not wait till Christmas. Now, the court has intervened in the matter and soon the court will have to intervene in all matters concerning people if this continues" he added.  

Speaking about mining, he said he had taken it up with the Centre and questioned the CM’s statements given that mining has not resumed. “It is the backbone of the Goan economy. I wrote to the PM to start mining as people have no money to send their children to school" added Sardinha.

He came down heavily on the govt on CZMP  and said it has handled the issue just like it has handled GST.  “I suggest they get a study done by taking locals into confidence and not try to ruin the villages any further" he said.

He also highlighted the problems local face at the Registrar office and said that Goans have to suffer, while outsiders get their work done quickly. He  expressed alarm about people changing their names to Goan names to inherit the property of those who are not in Goa. “I want the government to see the legal side and if it is illegal, I demand that changing of names to Goan names is stopped immediately,” he said.  

Sardinha also blamed the govt for the death of tourists during the lifeguard’s strike. 

"I understand the problem of lifeguards, but why did the tourism dept not put efforts to ask people to refrain from entering the sea The govt should compensate the families,” he added.