Goa Against
Coal (GAC) denounces Shri Nitin Gadkari’s recent statements revealing his role
in blindly serving the private interests of Adani and Jindal at incalculable
cost to Goa and Goans. We reiterate our demand that ongoing coal handling in
Goa be stopped, all expansion and infrastructure projects for coal be dropped, and
that our rivers, seas and water bodies remain as commons to sustain Goan
populations in general, and the fishing communities in particular.
Documents perused
reveal that there are plans to increase coal handled in Goa from present 12
million tonnes to 51 million tonnes at MPT itself. Khariwada and Baina
fisherfolk are already fighting to survive displacement forced by misuse of CRZ
laws and Government powers. The double tracking of the Vasco-Londa rail tracks and
the widening/ construction of NH 17 A and B, NH 4 A and B and NH 17 are also
being carried out for coal handling. After dredging of our rivers, coal brought
by ships will be stacked in our fields and transported by road through our
villages and wards. Dredging will destroy the lives of our rivers, turning them
into lifeless navigation channels and displacing entire communities dependent
on the river commons for subsistence and environmental security. This destruction
of our socio-economy, especially fisheries, tourism and health, is only for
profits for Adani and Jindal from ‘reduced freight charges’ (ample capacity
exists on the east coast)!
The people
of Goa are aware that the State and Central Governments have concealed this
destructive master plan from the people. We know that works for coal
infrastructure are being carried out as numerous small unrelated projects, thus
concealing even the existence of the coal expansion plan. We have exposed
Gadkari’s involvement and asked for CBI inquiry during the Public Hearing for
dredging of Vasco Bay. Sensing strong opposition to his destructive mission in
Goa and fearing inquiry in the future into his involvement, Gadkari has
resorted to threatening to "bulldoze" the projects, calling us “microscopic
minority", and making other veiled threats and accusations.
Shri Nitin
Gadkari, MPT, Adani and Jindal cannot be forgiven for causing grave
environmental destruction by illegally dredging Vasco Bay and causing huge
damage to the geological stability, ecology, marine life and fisheries of
surrounding area. PWD (NH) and South Western Railways are also mindlessly bulldozing
rail and road infrastructure for coal transportation through our villages. With
his statement on tourism moving to Maharashtra, Shri Gadkari has exposed the larger
plan to make Goa a coal hub for the benefit of Maharashtra tourism. Unfortunately,
Goa’s own government is also a part of this plan to destroy Goa.
The people
of Goa are undeterred by threats to misuse powers bestowed by us. We overwhelmingly
and rightly reject coal, just like we rejected SEZs. Instead, we want
development of fisheries, agriculture and sustainable tourism. We therefore demand
that both our Governments drop all plans for coal expansion and stop all coal
operations, failing which we will take all measures necessary to defend the
environment, economy and society of Goa from the blind greed of a few.
Custodio D’Souza
Convenor
Tel: 9637891412
Very well expressed. My full support for your campaign.
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