Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Marking the completion of one year as South Goa’s elected Member of Parliament, Captain Viriato Fernandes reflected on a year of active legislative engagement and deep-rooted public service. At a press conference held in Margao, Capt. Fernandes expressed heartfelt gratitude to his constituents for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing their voices in Parliament. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, local Congress block committees, and party supporters, whose unwavering support, he said, laid the foundation for his successful campaign and effective first year in office.
Capt. Fernandes emphasized that while his primary focus remains the people of South Goa, he has consistently broadened his efforts to address issues that impact the entire state of Goa. He highlighted his commitment to tackling pressing matters such as environmental degradation, cultural preservation, and rural development, which he believes are critical to Goa’s long-term welfare.
Over the past year, Capt. Fernandes participated actively in Parliament, contributing to discussions on major legislation, including the ST Reservation Bill for the Goa Assembly, the Disaster Management Bill, and the Bill of Lading for Shipping and Coastal Management. He also played a key role in Union Budget deliberations. During Zero Hour and under Rule 377, he raised numerous Goa-specific concerns such as coal pollution, the diversion of the Mhadei River, and land conversions threatening the state’s ecological balance. He strongly advocated for UNESCO recognition of Goan tiatr, pushed for implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment to strengthen panchayats, and opposed controversial infrastructure projects like railway double tracking. Other significant issues he flagged included safeguarding operations at Dabolim Airport, addressing the demolition of the Dev Khapreshwar Temple, and calling for fair treatment of seafarers.
In coordination with central ministries, the MP also worked on issues related to the Mormugao Port Authority, declining health of coconut and arecanut plantations, cashew productivity enhancement, funding under Mission Amrit Sarovar for water conservation, and effective monitoring of the National Education Policy’s implementation. He took up matters concerning the protection of religious structures in Bhoma, employment opportunities for Goans in the postal department, and ecological concerns surrounding proposed dredging projects and coastal erosion. He raised the alarm over gold smuggling at Goa’s airports and its economic impact, and sought urgent action to preserve the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. He further advocated for fairer entrance exam processes for students at the Indian Maritime University and flagged the need for review of elevated highway proposals and better utilization of CAMPA funds.
A vocal critic of destructive practices such as bull trawling and LED fishing, Capt. Fernandes called for sustainable solutions to protect the livelihoods of Goa’s fishing communities. He also engaged in efforts to boost tourism recovery and safeguard traditional Goan industries and occupations. As a member of the Defence Committee in Parliament, he continued to contribute meaningfully to discussions on national security and modernization of the armed forces.
Looking ahead, Capt. Fernandes reaffirmed his commitment to championing not just the concerns of South Goa, but those of the entire state. He called on the people to continue supporting initiatives that aim to secure Goa’s environmental, economic, and cultural future. “There is still much to be done,” he said, “but with unity and resolve, we can build a future that safeguards the soul of Goa while advancing the nation’s progress.”
