Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai on Sunday launched a strong attack on the coal-driven model of development in Mormugao , warning that it has devastated the region’s economy, environment, and public health.
At a programme in Mormugao, Sardesai inducted former Councillor Nilesh Navelkar into the Goa Forward Party. The induction took place in the presence of GFP Vice President Adv. Ashma, General Secretary (Organisation) Durgadas Kamat, Joint Secretary Vikas Bhagat, and Goa University Students Council President Hrithik Mandrekar. The move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen GFP’s grassroots presence in Mormugao Taluka and build a sustained people’s movement against coal.
Focusing sharply on the coal issue, Sardesai stated that Mormugao has been reduced to a “sacrifice zone” for the benefit of a few powerful interests. He alleged that the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has become unaccountable and operates above elected representatives, with little regard for the lives of local residents.
He highlighted that while Goa does not significantly consume the imported coal, Mormugao bears the entire burden of pollution, health risks, and economic decline. “We are taking the dust, the disease, and the damage — while the profits and benefits go outside Goa,” Sardesai said.
Raising serious health concerns, he pointed to increasing respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and declining quality of life among Mormugao residents, allegedly linked to coal dust pollution. He challenged the government to come clean on the health impact, stating that the crisis can no longer be ignored.
Sardesai also underscored the collapse of traditional economic engines in Mormugao . Employment linked to the port has drastically reduced, small businesses are struggling due to administrative hurdles like trade license issues, and tourism potential has been destroyed due to pollution. “Coal and tourism cannot coexist. Mormugao’s identity as the gateway to Goa has been completely eroded,” he said.
Criticizing national parties, Sardesai asserted that national parties has not shown the political will to stop coal operations. He emphasized that regional problems like Mormugao coal crisis require regional solutions, and called on people to support a local political alternative that is accountable only to Goans.
Reaffirming GFP’s stand, Sardesai declared that stopping coal remains a non-negotiable priority. “The day we come to power, coal operations will be stopped. This is our clear and firm commitment,” he stated.
Welcoming former councillor Nilesh Navelkar into the party, Sardesai said that leaders who have personally witnessed and suffered the impact of coal are now stepping forward to fight for the people. He expressed confidence that GFP’s growing grassroots network will lead a decisive movement to reclaim mormugao future.
The Goa Forward Party reiterated its vision of restoring economic activity through sustainable alternatives such as cruise tourism, local employment generation, and people-centric development, while putting an end to policies that harm Goa’s environment and its people.
