GOENCHO EKVOTT SLAMS CM PRAMOD SAWANT OVER COAL EXPANSION & DOUBLE TRACKING

GOENCHO EKVOTT SLAMS CM PRAMOD SAWANT OVER COAL EXPANSION & DOUBLE TRACKING

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Cansaulim 02 September 2025: Goencho Ekvott (GE) has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, accusing him of blatantly lying on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly. GE alleged that while the Chief Minister earlier stated his government would “never allow” an increase in coal handling at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), he is now openly supporting it by facilitating land acquisition from the Forest Department for the controversial Hospet–Londa–Tinaighat–Vasco-da-Gama railway doubling project.

This comes despite the Supreme Court of India setting aside the clearance granted by the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) for the double tracking project passing through Kulem, within the UNESCO-recognised Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

GE has demanded that the Government of Goa withdraw all coal expansion plans in these ecologically sensitive areas.

“Sinister plan to destroy Goa’s environment” – GE

Olencio Simoes, Joint Secretary of GE, strongly criticised both the Centre and the State, claiming they have a “sinister plan” to destroy Goa’s environment and livelihoods.

“Since 2015, this government has systematically approved all coal infrastructure projects to facilitate coal transportation via sea, river, road and railways, at the cost of Goan lives and livelihood,” Simoes said.

He highlighted a chain of government actions:

• Nationalisation of six rivers of Goa
• Four expansion projects at MPA:
  1. Deepening of Approach Channel for Capesize Vessels
  2. Redevelopment of Berths 8, 9 & Barge Berths
  3. Finger Jetties at Vasco Bay for Liquid Cargo, Coastal, Passenger & Fishing activities
  4. Multipurpose Terminal at Betul
• Dilution of CRZ Notification (2019) – reducing CRZ buffer from 500 mts to 50 mts, removing Goa’s special considerations, and allowing extensive coastal construction
• Proposal for four-laning of NH-4A (Anmod–Mollem stretch)
• Privatisation of MPT under the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2022

According to GE, these moves are part of a larger plan to facilitate coal imports from Indonesia, Mozambique and Australia, amounting to 141 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum), for the benefit of corporate giants Adani and Jindal.

“Illegal works despite SC verdict” – Orville Dourado Rodrigues

GE Founder Member, Engr. Orville Dourado Rodrigues, alleged that South Western Railways and its contractors are “rampantly violating the law” despite the Supreme Court’s favourable verdict questioning the project’s viability and directing scrapping of double tracking in Goa.

“It is noticed that RVNL has criminally trespassed into private landholdings and is illegally constructing works with the blessing of state government machinery. This denies local residents their basic rights to free access to their residences, clean air, and water,” Rodrigues stated.

GE has reaffirmed its resolve to oppose coal expansion and double tracking in Goa, vowing to continue its fight to protect the state’s environment, heritage, and people’s rights.

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