House witnesses heated arguments over Railway Double Tracking Project
Opp demands immediate scrapping of the project; alleges it’s only for coal transportation
CM says the project has nothing to do with coal handling; no damage to heritage houses
Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: The House on Monday witnessed chaos with a heated debate on the double tracking of the South Western railway line with the Opposition demanding immediate scrapping of the project that will lead to demolition of several structures including heritage properties.
The opposition MLAs also alleged that the project is to facilitate coal transportation.
The State government, however, defended the project stating that it has nothing to do with coal transportation and that no damage will be done to houses or heritage.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also informed House that 75 per cent of the project is completed.
The government also maintained that the Supreme Court not not scrapped the project and hence the question does not arise of scrapping it.
Sawant said the government has no intention to damage the properties of the people. “Wherever the supreme court has not allowed anything, the government has not touched that specific area,” he said.
“We don’t want coal in Goa. Double tracking is not for coal transportation. Let me make it clear,” he said.
The opposition led by LoP Yuri Alemao, GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai, and AAP MLA Venzy Viegas corned the government over the alleged anti-people project and questioned why the government is in a hurry to complete it.
“Government is desperate for double tracking of the railway for coal transportation. Government must clear on various communication & stop Double tracking,” Alemao said.
Demanding scrapping of the project, Sardesai questioned Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserratte on land acquisition by the railways in Velsao and Cansaulim without owners’ consent. He also pointed out that Margao Education Hub will also suffer due to double tracking if the flyover is not built.
Replying to this, Monserrate said of the total 4105 sq meters of land intended to be acquired by South West railway only 3089 sq meters of land is acquired. He said that the land acquisition of Cansavalim, Velsao is already acquired and the land of Utorda is in the process of acquisition.
The Chief Minister said the government has written to RVNL for the construction of a flyover at Margao.
AAP MLA Capt Venzy Viegas said that 25% of the remaining track must be kept as Single Track & to avoid the destruction of houses in Cansaulim Village. “We are moving towards renewable energy sources, what is the need for coal now?, Stop double tracking,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said that the state government is desperate for double tracking of coal for coal transportation.
“Government must clear on various communication & stop Double tracking,” said Alemao.
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