Team Herald
PORVORIM: Admitting that the Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended against double tracking of the South Western Railway line (SWR) and Tamnar power project passing through the protected wilds of Mollem, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the House that the State will file its say on the recommendations before the Apex Court, which is yet to take a decision.
Sawant, who was cornered by the Opposition on the linear projects, said the CEC has given its green signal for highway expansion project with some changes, while in the case of the other two, it has recommended against any further land acquisition.
“The matter is before the Supreme Court. We will file our say on the CEC report before the Court. These are just the recommendations and the Court has not taken any decision,” he said.
Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte while tabling the question informed the House that the CEC has recommended that the permissions granted for the projects should be revoked and as such the land acquisition undertaken stands lapsed.
The MLA sought to know the government’s stand on the CEC recommendation, whether it would be accepted or the government will wait for the Supreme Court verdict. He also sought an answer on whether the acquired land for the two projects would be revoked.
“All the three projects are being strongly opposed by the people… experts have raised apprehensions… people have raised their voices,” he said.
As the major focus of the debate was on the double tracking of the railway line, Sawant said the land has been acquired by the Government of India under the Railways Act and the State was providing assistance. “We have not acquired any land in protected areas. Of the acquired land, some belongs to the government while some have given written submission that they have no objection to give their land for the project,” the CM told the House.
The Opposition demanded that a half-hour discussion be provided on the issue since it is contentious and several villages, citizens and environmental experts are up in arms against the three projects. However, Speaker Rajesh Patnekar denied this.
In reply to another question raised by MLA Vijai Sardesai, the Chief Minister said the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted in-principle approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act for diversion of 138.39 ha of forest land for the doubling of SWR along castle Rock-Kulem, Kalay-Margao station.
He said 21,878 trees have been enumerated in the forest and protected areas for the execution of railway projects. “Permission to fell 3,511 trees has been granted in non-forest areas. However, the actual number of trees which would be felled can be ascertained only at the time of commencement of work,” Sawant said.
