No expansion of coal transport in Goa, says CMO: Goa government clarifies land acquisition is for access and stability, not coal expansion

Panaji: After severe criticism from opposition members alleging that additional land is being acquired for the Hosapete-Vasco double-tracking project to expand coal handling capacity in Goa, the chief minister’s office (CMO) on Tuesday issued a statement that the added land was being acquired only to provide access, stabilise land for houses, and correct any realignment mismatches.“No capacity expansion of coal transportation will be permitted in the state,” the statement said.The statement issued by chief minister Pramod Sawant’s office said that the project of double-tracking will, in fact, reduce pollution. “The project will facilitate tourism development and the faster movement of existing freight, including coal, in a manner that reduces incidental pollution by decreasing exposure time,” said the statement.It said that certain reports suggested that additional land is being acquired for coal handling in connection with the Hosapete-Vasco double-tracking project. These reports are incorrect, read the statement.“Govt of Goa states that, as clarified by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the limited acquisition of 0.6 hectares initiated by the ministry of railways in Cansaulim, Sancoale, and Issorcim villages is solely for banking/stabilisation support to safeguard nearby houses, provision of road access to landowners, and correction of alignment mismatches identified in earlier surveys,” said the statement.