Goemkarponn desk
VASCO: Goencho Ekvott has demanded that the CM of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, stop double tracking in Goa and shift coal to Belekeri Port at Ankola in Karnataka as coal has no accrued benefits whatsoever to Goa.
Goencho Ekvott and villagers of Velsao, Pale, Issorcim and Cansaulim organized a mega public awareness meeting opposing double tracking opposite the Velsao Panchayat building. This meeting was attended by Panchas of Velsao-Pale-Issorcim, Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim, Majorda-Calata-Utorda and Quelossim panchayats and condemned the Government for curtailing the voice of the people during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Goa.
Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardessai attacked the local Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas for disappearing in assembly during the voting on the Coal issue and now deserting the people of his constituency on the double-tracking issue. Ex-Environment Minister Alina Saldanha appealed to the Government to be reasonable in acceding to the just demands of the native residents who are affected by the coal transportation through Goa. Savio D’Silva, South District President of the Indian National Congress, stated that the Congress party is fully committed to the cause of no coal and no double tracking and reminded the mass gathering of the party’s manifesto, which stated these 2 objectives. He also commended the efforts of GE founder member Orville Dourado Rodrigues, Olencio Simoes & others for their sustained struggle to reduce coal pollution in Goa. He made it clear that his party’s MLAs would vociferously take up this issue in assembly and in the streets as well.
Ex-Forest & Environment Minister Alina Saldanha appealed to the Government to understand the dust and noise pollution created by the coal rakes, which brought about untold misery to the local population.
Jayesh Shetgaonkar, an Executive member of GE, minced no words to denounce the dictatorial attitude of the local Government at the behest of the railways.
Olencio Simoes Joint secretary of GE stated the PM Narendra Modi was recently awarded as a champion of the earth by the UN, but his Government in Goa wants to destroy the environment, including UNESCO sites, for a single person’s profit who, is not only destroying India but is the main contributor to Climate change globally.
Captain Viriato Fernandes appealed to all Goans to unite against mega destruction planned in Goa which will lead to catastrophe as Goa has a fragile ecosystem that needs to be protected at any cost.
Lopinho Xavier, Panch Quelossim spoke about the need to safeguard the environment at all costs.
Agnelo Rodrigues, President Goenche Ramponkarancho Ekvott thundered against the faulty policies of the Government, who appear to favour one businessman at the cost of the health of the locals in Goa.
Vikas Bhagat, Goa Forward leader, appealed to all Goans to unite to safeguard the interest of Goa and not fall prey to divisive politics.
Anthony D’Silva wondered why the Government of Goa not having a pro-Goa policy which would benefit the locals and appealed to all to work towards unifying all entities.
Freddy Travasso appealed to Goans not to rest until the double tracking was scrapped in Goa. He also appealed to the Goan diaspora to lend a helping hand to the GE team, who are excellently protecting Goa’s environment under very difficult circumstances.
Goencho Ekvott has demanded that the CM of Goa stop double tracking in Goa and shift coal to Belekeri Port at Ankola in Karnataka, as coal has no accrued benefits whatsoever to Goa.
Ella Mascarenhas, Secretary GE compèred the function and proposed the vote of thanks.
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