March 24, 2022
Luizinho Faleiro’s Zero Hour notice on the destruction of ecology in Goa and assault on federalism
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I really thank you for permitting me to raise the issue regarding destruction of rivers, destruction of ecology of Goa and assault on federalism. Sir, Goa is known as a jewel on the crown of India. With a spread of eleven rivers, mostly originating from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea, these mighty rivers represent the
lifeline of the people of Goa and have mostly ports and navigational channels. With the implementation of the Major Ports Authority Act, 2021, nationalisation of Goan rivers, implementation of three linear projects, double-tracking of railway lines, expansion of national highways, power transmission projects to wildlife sanctuaries, there is a widespread anger on the overreach of powers by the Centre, whose hidden agenda is to make Goa a coal hub. Goa is a tourist destination and not a coal destination. The Government of Goa, which is really a ‘double engine sarkar’ has also informed the Goa Assembly on July 29, 2021, and they have written to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to repeal the Major Ports Authority Act, as it compels and usurps the Goan laws, like Town and
Country Planning Act, Regional Plan, ODPs made there under, Goa Panchayati Raj Act, Goa Municipalities Act, Goa Land Revenue Court, and the Goa Land Development. This draconian law is an assault on the federal structure of the country. I, therefore, join the people of Goa, join the Government of Goa, for the repeal of the Major Ports Authority Act. I would like to give only one classic example and finish. The Marmagoa Port Trust, which is already converted into Marmagoa Port Authority, and even though Goa does not have a single power project, the Government of
Goa has signed to bring in 13 million tonnes of coal, thereby making Goa a coal hub. So, my request to you, Sir, and to the hon. Minister, who is a son of Goa –he had promised that he would change it or at least amend it–is
that it should be amended immediately. Thank you.
