NT Reporter
Panaji
Villagers from Assolda in Curchorem constituency staged a strong protest outside the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) office at Patto-Panaji on Monday, demanding that the proposed coal handling project at Xelvona jetty be scrapped immediately.
Residents from Assolda, Xelvona, Xic-Xelvona, Hodar and neighbouring villages marched to the capital. The Assolda gram sabha passed a resolution to oppose the project.
Local BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral led a delegation that met officials of the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (GSEIAA).
The protesters alleged that the jetty, coming up in Xelvona village, is intended for coal transportation and would severely impact not only their village but the entire surrounding region. They also alleged that the project report is flawed, lacks proper site access and has been objected to by the local village panchayat.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amit Patkar also criticised the government for granting permission for the jetty project at Xelvona without taking people into confidence.
He questioned Cabral over the project and demanded that he call the Chief Minister and seeks assurance that the project will be scrapped.
Patkar also questioned which MLA or minister was allegedly protecting the businessman who is said to be constructing the jetty for coal handling purposes.
Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council councillor Balkrishna Hodarkar criticised the government for remaining silent despite prior intimation of the agitation.
“This protest was announced four to five days in advance, yet the government did not react to our demand. We want the government to stop this project. It is not just about Xelvona village but about all surrounding areas. This project is going to affect everyone. The next generation will curse us,” he said.
