NT NETWORK
Margao
The village panchayat of Sao Jose de Areal has decided to issue stop work orders to the railways over the ongoing ‘illegal’ construction works near the railway gate at Nessai and the railway station at Ralloi as the railway officials have failed to produce ownership documents and necessary permissions.
Sao Jose De Areal Villagers Union has demanded that the state government issue orders to stop all the ongoing works for the double tracking.
The union had drawn the attention of the panchayat along with Collector, South Goa and MLA of Velim constituency about the ‘illegal’ works being carried out.
Acting upon the complaint, the panchayat had called for a site inspection after it noticed ‘illegal’ construction work being carried out and issued a notice to the project manager of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, asking him to be present for site inspection with necessary documents.
The inspection was carried out on Thursday morning, wherein the complainant pointed out that the railway authorities were ‘working’ outside its land and demanded that the authorities produce land ownership documents, but the railway officials could not produce any documents of land ownership.
He also asked for the site and construction plans, which were also not available.
The railway official claimed that railways do not require such licences for carrying out construction works, however, was countered by a villager Fredy Travasso who showed the orders of the railway board dated July 28 directing all railway authorities to stop all works across the country except the works related to the safety of the operations, to which the official feigned ignorance.
The railway officials remained adamant that that unless the state government directs the railway authorities to stop, they will continue with the works, confirming that it is the government which is responsible for the ‘illegal’ works being carried out.
Later, speaking to the reporters, the union demanded that the MLA of Velim constituency, who is a part of the present government, must ensure that such orders are passed immediately.
It was also pointed out that the double tracking project is not in public interest, but only for private firms, and hence the work must be stopped immediately in accordance with the orders of the railways board and the wishes and the welfare of the people of Goa.
