Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: In a startling revelation, Goencho Avaaz Party un exposed the reason why a huge illegal concrete plant was set up on property owned by Law and Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral in Loutolim. It is to aid and facilitate the carrying of coal by road from MPT to Karnataka. The 40 metre wide road that environmentalists were alleging as the missing link to ferry coal through Loutolum via NH366 and across the Zuari river and onwards to Karnataka has now been proved beyond doubt. It is food for thought why a Law Minister himself would violate the law whilst in office. This showcases the desperation and the heavy-handed approach of Pramod Sawant’s government to push through the three destructive linear projects at any cost and perhaps make a quick buck in the process. Nilesh Cabral is playing a dubious role in his capacity as the Environment minister, by butchering thousands of trees and causing damage to the Mollem forest, by pushing for the three destructive linear projects.
Captain Viriato Fernandes, State Convenor of Goencho Avaaz Party said: ‘’This is much more than just an illegal plant, as there is a more sinister undertone to this. Did Nilesh Cabral set up the illegal concrete plant to reap profits by positioning his so called ‘tenant’ to supply the construction material for the expansion of the highway? When questioned by the media, Nilesh Cabral, as expected, washed his hands off the matter and placed the onus firmly on the shoulders of his so-called tenant. Does Nilesh Cabral believe that his role as landlord is to turn a blind eye and only collect the rent? Never before, has Goa witnessed such astounding levels of brazen corruption and deviousness by a government that paints profiteering as patriotism.’’
‘’I would like to extend my gratitude to the Local Panchayat and Sarpanch of Loutolim , who showed tremendous courage to stand by their village and issue a stop-work notice. I would also like to thank the people of Loutolim who reached out to Goencho Avaaz Party for our help in this matter. Given that we have a callous government who puts self-interest and cronyism above welfare of the state, we urge Goans to remain vigilant about what is happening in their respective areas and raise alarm bells. Together and collectively we can take on the fight to save Goa. I have a message for Pramod Sawant – you and your government are leaving the worst legacy that any government has ever left. We will not allow your government to destroy Goa. We urge you to drop lawless ministers like Nilesh Cabral and others from your team. Every day there is a new scandal that rocks Goa.’’
‘’Only a government of shop-keepers and dalals will sell off the resources of the state it has sworn to protect. We urge Goans to never forget the acts of betrayal by this government, right from the selling of the river Mhadei to Karnataka, to the handing over of six rivers in the name of nationalization and giving up the entire stretch of our coastline to MPT for the benefit of crony capitalists. Let us also not forget how the government ruined the MOPA plateau to benefit casino operators by destroying the livelihood of farmers and locals. This was done by grabbing agricultural land in the name of airports, where other MLAs from the ruling BJP have been found to be stake holders’’ concluded Captain Viriato Feranndes.