Residents of Velsao, with Goencho Ekvott, have staged a protest at Primeiro vaddo, Velsao, expressing discontent over a railway contractor allegedly excavating the Right of Way on Saturday. The residents argue that this action transpired without prior notice, despite possessing valid land records.
Goencho Ekvott has reported the issue to concerned departments and issued a warning, indicating collaboration with various organizations prepared to take to the streets in protest against the alleged encroachment by the Railway.
Founder of Goencho Ekvott, Orville Dourado, emphasized the historical significance of the affected properties, stating, "Our private land, heritage houses built in the 1700s, and the ancestral right of way were left for us to pass." Dourado questioned the legality of the railway's actions, pointing to the flattening of the path and alleged intentions to use the space for laying railway tracks. He raised concerns about the forceful closure of the right of way, adding that such issues have persisted for five years.
Dourado disclosed that Goencho Ekvott has filed objections with various authorities, including the Railways, the south collector, the mamlatdar, and the office of land records. Individual landowners have also submitted complaints to competent authorities and the Verna and Vasco police stations, demanding an immediate halt to the work and restoration of the right of way to its original position.
Former MLA Alina Saldanha expressed shock at the situation in Goa, criticizing the government for apparent negligence and highlighting the adverse effects of the existing railway track and the proposed second track for coal transportation.
“I'm really shocked with what is going on in the state of Goa. It looks like there is no government to ensure good governance for the people who vote for the government to power. Since the first track was laid people have been suffering. Government representatives should come down onto the site and see for themselves the damage that has taken place so far. What will happen to these people when the second track is laid and more coal is being carried by trains? We, the people of Goa, are not going to allow this. The CEC of the Supreme Court has given various conditions. And out of there are 13 points, seven points are related to Goa. And these points state very clearly that there is no need for the second track. They have stated very clearly that the existing track, is also very harmful to the life and the health of the people,” said Saldanha.
Saldanha urged government representatives to witness the damage first hand and questioned the necessity of transporting coal through Goa, citing existing infrastructure in Karnataka.
“If the coal is going to Karnataka, why can't this coal be taken through Karnataka which has got twelve minor ports and one major port, 13 ports to handle this coal. People's lives are in danger. There are already cases of cancer, lung disorders, and heart problems. Because we all know coal dust contains heavy metals and heavy metals that are toxic. I request the government to think of the people who have voted it to power and do what is right. Protect our environment, protect our houses, protect our lives,” added Saldanha.
A resident of Velsao, owning an ancestral house for over 400 years, contested the railway's claim on the right of way, presenting translated Portuguese papers that indicate the demarcation up to the railway line. The resident described the recent damage caused by the railway's actions, including uprooted trees, broken drainage, and the resulting difficulties in daily activities. “This is road access which the railway claims to be theirs. I would bring it to their notice that this is a right of way not only for me but for all my villagers who have been using this road. My house papers show that my property is right up to the railway line. Last Saturday they came and cleaned, and removed all the trees. They have also broken the drain water which will lead to flooding,” she added.
An elderly resident emphasized the government's lack of awareness regarding the problems caused by coal, expressing concern about pollution affecting both residents and marine life. The resident empathized with those facing health issues, stating, "This coal has affected the water bodies and the fish which we consume, even people are suffering from cancer. I feel bad for my people."