Porvorim: Clarifying his stand on the raging
coal issue at the state legislative assembly on Thursday, chief minister Manohar Parrikar said, "In absolutely clear terms, we have said coal expansion at Mormugao port will not be permitted."
Parrikar, who was speaking during Zero Hour, said Goa had already declared its stance in the matter. "An application for the setting up of a steel plant in Goa was rejected in 2002," he said, while explaining that coal transportation happens only at places where it is in demand. "Coal is needed for steel units or coal power generation units. Goa does not have such an industry. Let us be very clear that there is no coal issue. We should not try to fool people."
Earlier, Cuncolim Congress legislator Clafasio Dias demanded that state highway 8 passing through Chandor village be denotified. The road was notified as a state highway in 1971. Dias said people feared that the ongoing work on the state highway would affect not only the many heritage houses in the village, but also businesses located along the road.
Parrikar said he was well aware of the issue, as it was also brought to his notice by town and country planning minister Vijai Sardesai, and Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral. "The old houses need to be protected," he said, adding that a solution would be arrived at after discussion with all stakeholders by the next budget session.
