Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: While the CEC report has been submitted to the Supreme Court regarding the three linear infrastructure projects in Goa in May 2021, South Western Railway (SWR) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) have yet again slipped a notice to acquire areas in South Goa regarding the previously-opposed double-tracking rail project between Hospet-Tinaighat and Vasco-da-Gama.
Community and farmlands in Curchorem, Cacora, Davorlim, Velsao, Cansaulim and Arossim have been demarcated despite an earlier gazette notification last December stating that SWR will not involve the land of the farmers in Curchorem and Cacora.
The Amche Mollem citizen group expressed their full solidarity and strength with members of the local civic bodies and community, who are now threatening to voice their opposition if their interests are overlooked again.
This new notice comes as a shock to the people’s movement on the ground, which has been consistently fighting to preserve Goa’s natural and cultural heritage from becoming yet another development structure that only benefits a handful.
The Sarpanch of Cansaulim and Velsao – Jose Maria Furtado and Henrique D’ Mello expressed their dismay in how the new land acquisition notice overlooks the people, who even took to the streets in opposition during trying times of the pandemic to save their land.
The Panchayats of both villages amongst others have resolved to stand by their people; support that people sought from their state and central government.
The fight on transporting coal through the state of Goa, though vehemently opposed, continues to be whitewashed by a handful of industry brands that form small, tight benefactor circles. The resistance of the people has met lofty campaigns led by the money prowess of full-page advertisements and brand campaigns to change the overall narrative of how coal will be a blessing to the people of the state. What is disappointing is that the authorities continue to turn a blind eye to what is important for the future of the people and the natural world.
Max de Souza a resident of Velsao village and a retired engineer by profession previously made a statement “I have grown up in admiration of the Indian Railways as a robust organisation with exceptional engineering and administrative systems in place. Countries across the globe have sought the services of their construction wing. Attempts to push through the double-track with no proper grounds, feasibility study or adherence to established guidelines are rather surprising and worrisome.”
The fact that the National Security Act (NSA) was evoked one day before the Goa Revolution Day 2021 shows that governing bodies are using every tool possible to detract and suppress the people’s movement to put out sparks that have been burning steadily since last June rather than working hand-in-hand with them to find amicable solutions.
“Though the CEC report was a breather for us…the battle is far from over. Not to mention the extent to which the government is willing to go to implement the linear projects. Considering the way things are unfolding, we can only hope the report is given the seriousness it deserves” said Mohan Kumar, Goan Filmmaker, Director, The Coal Story.
“The Goa Government seems to have forgotten the power of the people yet again, which will not be forgotten. Given the pandemic situation we request the Supreme Court to intervene and implement the CEC recommendations and scrap this economically and ecologically unviable project,” said Father Bolmax.
