Panaji: The Goa government should carry out environment and social impact assessment studies before agreeing to nationalise six rivers in the State, Goa Congress president Shantaram Naik said on Saturday.
He told reporters that the State government’s hurry to sign a draft memorandum of understanding with the Central government to allow nationalisation of the six rivers— including the two main rivers, Mandovi and Zuari — would spell doom for coastal communities, including fisherfolk.
“What will happen if the social impact study turns out to be adverse? Will the Centre delete the names of the six rivers annexed to the Schedule of Nationalisation of Waterways Act and apologise to the people of Goa?” Mr. Naik asked