Panaji: The Goa government has dismissed fears that additional land is being acquired to expand coal handling projects in the coastal state.
In a statement issued here in response to reports in certain sections of the media, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said it had come to notice that some reports suggested additional land was being acquired for coal handling in connection with the Hospet-Vasco double tracking project.
“These reports are incorrect and therefore need to be clarified to present the right facts about the project,” the statement said.
The government clarified that, as explained 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 of South Goa is solely for banking and stabilisation support to safeguard nearby houses, provision of road access to landowners, and correction of alignment mismatches identified in earlier surveys.
The CMO further said the project would facilitate tourism development and ensure faster movement of existing freight, including coal, in a manner that reduces incidental pollution by decreasing exposure time.
“It is reiterated that no capacity expansion of coal transportation will be permitted in the state,” the CMO added.
