TEAM GOEMKARPONN
VASCO: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government of pushing Vasco towards becoming a “ghost town” by encouraging large-scale coal handling and transportation, similar to how Dabolim lost prominence after the new airport.
Addressing a press conference in Vasco, Alemao alleged that the “double engine government” stood for “double dhoka, only for khoka,” claiming it was deceiving Goans while serving corporate interests. He pointed out that despite assurances in 2020 that coal handling in Goa would be capped, the Centre had since cleared several expansion projects — including the increase of JSW’s Berth 6 capacity from 5 MMT to 15 MMT, Adani’s Berth 7 for 5 MMT, and, more recently, deepening of the Mormugao Port channel specifically to handle larger coal ships.
Citing Railway Ministry’s admission that the Hospet–Vasco double tracking project was meant to expedite transport of coal, iron ore and steel, Alemao questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s claim that coal handling would not be increased. “What is the limit – 5 MMT, 10 MMT, 15 MMT or 20 MMT? Does the Goa Government have any authority to cap coal once the Union Government grants clearances? If so, under which Act?” he asked.
He further alleged that companies had violated existing caps without facing action. “JSW, despite having consent for 5 MMT, has handled nearly 10 MMT. Instead of action, it has been granted expansion. This raises a serious question — if violations go unpunished, what credibility does any ‘cap’ have?” Alemao said.
Asserting that the state was being converted into a coal corridor, he said new jetties and river projects, coupled with the port expansions, would devastate Goa’s environment and economy. “This is not a cap on coal, this is ‘Goemkarak Topayo’, taking Goans for a ride while quietly converting our land, rivers and port into a coal hub,” he added.
