Goemarponn desk
MARGAO/ VASCO:: A day after the Supreme Court verdict on double-tracking, Abhijit Prabhudesai of Goyant Kolso Naka – a group that spearheaded the campaign against coal, said that the verdict has not cancelled double-tracking, and the threat will continue to haunt Goans.
“GKN states that the SC order is a complete contradiction that ignores and defeats the CEC Report. After detailed deliberations, CEC found that double-tracking has no benefit and is unnecessary. Based on the findings of CEC, we expected the project to be cancelled,” Prabhudesai said.
He added, “Our worst fears are now confirmed, and all 3 linear projects continue to threaten Goa. GKN calls on Goans to continue the struggle until all coal transportation infrastructure projects are laid to permanent rest.” Abhijit Prabhudesai said.
Meanwhile, Captain Viriato Fernandes of the Congress party said the SC verdict was a great victory for the people of Goa, the youth, and all those who stuck their necks out to save Goa from falling into the hands of crony capitalists.
“We thank Goa Foundation, Goencho Ekvott, Goyant Kolso Naka, and those who fought against the 3 destructive projects. But most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the great contribution of our late Julio Cedric Aguiar, who sacrificed his life for the cause,” he said.
The Amchem Mollem Group also hailed teh SC verdict.
AmcheMollem citizens who were fighting for Goa’s oldest and largest protected areas, the Supreme Court upheld the recommendations of the CEC regarding double-tracking of railways and has upheld the CEC recommendations for cancelling the railway doubling project and set aside the crucial clearance granted to it by the NBWL.
“This is a huge victory for the citizens and youngsters from all across Goa and the world who have worked tirelessly for the Amche Mollem campaign. This is also a gift for the unwavering efforts of the late Julio Aguiar, whose one year death anniversary memorial will be celebrated on the 13th of May. As fellow Goans, the state Wildlife Advisory Board members should now take a firm stand and pass a resolution against this double-tracking project for the sake of thousands of Goans and the natural heritage that they love.” said the Amche Mollem Citizens Group.
Fr Bolmax Pereira said: “Our trust and faith in our Supreme Court has been re-affirmed. I am glad that Mother Nature made it possible to have this verdict in favour of wildlife and its habitat three days before the first death anniversary of our Save Mollem warrior Julio Cedric Aguiar. Our fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats and the internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot and important wildlife corridor of our country has been saved from destruction. The strong stand taken by youth for a future full of forests stands justified. Let our government know that we want and always support sustainable development.”
Swapnesh Sherlekar, President of Goencho Swabhiman Party (GSP), said: “Kudos to the people who fought tirelessly against the destructive projects and made their voices count. The power of the people should never be underestimated. This is a step in the right direction to preserve the rich heritage of Goa and maintain our biodiversity hotspots. It is imperative now that we continue the fight until the double-tracking project is scrapped. We urge the State Wildlife Advisory Board to pay heed to the decision of the Supreme Court and the anguished cries of the people.”
“This is an extremely gratifying and fair verdict. One hopes that the Railways will now call for a discussion and hear our side and listen to our voices,” said Heta Pandit.
“I have always maintained that we support sustained development, which involves consulting all stakeholders. Our stand has been vindicated,” said Max de Souza, Villagers Action Group (VACAD) and there is renewed hope for this fight to be extended beyond Goa’s protected area.
