Goa MLA Nilesh Cabral Reassures Villagers on Coal and Infrastructure Projects
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral has made a firm commitment to residents of Xelvona and surrounding villages in Goa, stating that coal loading and unloading operations will not be permitted anywhere within his constituency. This assurance comes nearly six weeks after villagers from Assolda, Xelvona, Hodor, and other areas successfully pressured a project proponent to withdraw a proposed coal jetty plan during a state environment meeting in Panaji.
MLA's Pledge Against Coal Operations
During an informal meeting with villagers on Thursday, Cabral declared, "So long as I am the MLA of this constituency, there will be no unloading of even 1kg of coal anywhere in Curchorem constituency." This statement directly addresses the sustained protests that have emerged against two contentious proposals affecting the region.
Protests Over Coal Jetty and Railway Overbridge
The villagers have been actively opposing two key projects:
- Coal Jetty at Xelvona: A proposed facility that has raised environmental and health concerns among local residents.
- Railway Overbridge: A planned infrastructure project that has also faced significant local opposition due to its proposed location.
Cabral extended his assurance to include the railway overbridge, clarifying that the project would not proceed at the site objected to by locals. He noted that the collector had not yet issued a no objection certificate for this location, further supporting the villagers' stance.
Background of Community Action
The recent developments follow a successful community effort in which residents forced a project proponent to back down from the coal jetty proposal at a state environment meeting. This grassroots activism highlights the growing concerns over industrial projects in the area and their potential impact on local livelihoods and the environment.
Cabral's remarks aim to alleviate fears and build trust with constituents who have been vocal about protecting their villages from unwanted industrial activities. The MLA's commitment underscores the political responsiveness to community-driven protests in the region.
