MLA warns of agitation if government does not scrap plan
A group of villagers voicing their opposition to the proposed railway station in Neura during the gram sabha on Sunday.
OLD GOA
Residents of Neura strongly opposed the government’s plan to build a railway station in the village and warned of protests if their concerns were ignored. During the gram sabha on Sunday, locals pointed out that the Karmali station, just a few kilometres away, already meets the area’s needs.
They also raised concerns that the proposed site is khazan land, rich in biodiversity, which would be destroyed. Some villagers feared the area might be turned into a coal hub, posing health risks.
MLA Viresh Borkar, who also hails from Neura, led the opposition. He questioned the need for another station so close to Karmali, asking sarcastically, “Is the government planning bus stops between railway stations too?” Borkar warned that if the project is not scrapped, he would join villagers in street protests. He stressed that the khazan land is vital for agriculture, and locals are working hard to revive farming there. According to him, the project would disrupt these efforts.
Criticising the government for pushing the project without consulting the local MLA, panchayat, or villagers, Borkar said, “Such top-down decisions will not be accepted.”
Villagers recalled how they had previously protested against a proposed sports city in Neura and said they would do so again if needed. “We won’t hesitate to return to the streets if the government tries to impose this project,” warned a villager.
Prasad Sawant, a local resident, expressed fears that the site could turn into a coal hub, harming people’s health. He urged strong opposition to prevent this. Another villager highlighted the need for unity, saying, “We must stay united to succeed in our protest.”
Supporting the villagers, sarpanch Manisha Naik said, “The panchayat stands firmly with the people. We don’t need a railway station in Neura when one already exists nearby. This project will harm khazan farming, which we are working to revive.”
The gram sabha resolved to send a resolution opposing the railway station to the Chief Minister, Konkan Railways, and other relevant authorities. Locals also raised concerns about the deliberate flooding of khazan fields. They alleged that sluice gate lease holders were intentionally keeping the gates open, causing saline water to flood the fields and harm farming. They demanded strict action against those responsible.
Additionally, the issue of incomplete hotmixing of the main MDR road from Pilar to Azossim, passing through Neura, was discussed. Villagers demanded full repairs to prevent accidents, especially for two-wheeler riders.
