“Congress will scrap Sagarmala and proposed satellite port; Goa’s land, environment and livelihoods must be protected”: Altone D’Costa

Yuri Alemao Calls for Unity to Protect Goemkarponn; Capt. Viriato Fernandes Flags Land Conversions, Unemployment and Environmental Threats

Goa Khabar: The 19th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra received an encouraging response in Velim constituency as the Congress campaign passed through Assolna, Chinchinim and Ambelim, highlighting the need to protect Goa’s land, cultural identity, environment and traditional livelihoods from what Congress leaders described as the BJP government’s anti-Goa policies.

The yatra brought together political leaders, local residents and members of the Kunbi community, reflecting Goa’s rich cultural diversity. A traditional Kunbi dance was performed at the conclusion of the programme, celebrating the state’s cultural heritage and multicultural identity. The procession culminated at Assolna Market, where flower petals were showered on the yatris. A participant dressed as a ship’s captain symbolised Velim’s longstanding seafaring tradition and the contribution of local tarvoti families.

GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Working Presidents Altone D’Costa and Sunil Kawthankar, General Secretary Pradip Naik, Media Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Sevadal Chief Rajan Ghate, Mahila Congress President Pratiksha Khalap, Youth Congress President Archit Naik, District Presidents Assiz Noronha and Mangaldas Naik, Congress leaders Altinho Gomes and Savio D’Silva, former MLA Benjamin Silva, Zilla Panchayat member Julio Fernandes, Block President Francisco Rodrigues, Antoinette Dias, Kenesia Menezes, Joel Andrade and Arcanjle D’Sa, along with other Congress leaders, party workers and thousands of yatris, participated in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra.

Congress leaders invoked Goa’s freedom struggle, the contributions of Dr Julião Menezes and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, and the historic 1967 Opinion Poll, drawing parallels between Goa’s past struggles and the present movement to protect Goemkarponn. Former MLA Benjamin Silva also joined the procession.

The yatra highlighted concerns relating to fishing communities, port-related development, land conversions, unemployment, environmental degradation, healthcare, basic infrastructure and the future of Goa’s youth.

YURI ALEMAO CALLS FOR UNITY TO PROTECT GOEMKARPONN

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao recalled the sacrifices and contributions of Dr Julião Menezes and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia during Goa’s freedom struggle, urging Goans to unite to protect the state’s identity, culture and heritage.

Alemao accused the BJP government of pursuing policies that threaten Goa’s distinct identity and social harmony. He criticised the proposed anti-conversion bill, alleging that it could create divisions among Goans, and raised concerns over issues affecting fishing communities.

He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party’s six guarantees, referred to allegations surrounding a liquor scam involving the party, and discussed opposition divisions that, according to him, had affected electoral outcomes in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Invoking the 1967 Opinion Poll and the legacy of Goa’s historic identity movement, Alemao appealed to the people to stand united in defence of Goemkarponn. He also called upon Goans to participate in large numbers when Rahul Gandhi joins the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Cuncolim.

ALTONE D’COSTA VOWS TO SCRAP SAGARMALA AND PROPOSED SATELLITE PORT

Congress Working President Altone D’Costa declared that a Congress government in Goa would scrap the Sagarmala project and the proposed satellite port, asserting that the interests of local communities, fishing families and the environment would take precedence over projects that threaten their livelihoods.

Questioning reports of a survey being conducted for cargo handling despite statements that the Sagarmala project had been cancelled, D’Costa sought clarity from the government and accused the authorities of misleading the people of Goa.

Warning that port-related development could have serious consequences for Velim and neighbouring areas, D’Costa cited developments at Mormugao Port as a matter of concern for local communities. He also promised to resolve the long-pending Dandeavado bypass issue and asserted that Congress would learn from the mistakes of the 2022 Assembly elections.

CAPT. VIRIATO FERNANDES FLAGS LAND CONVERSIONS AND UNEMPLOYMENT

South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes warned that indiscriminate land conversions and development projects could endanger Goa’s land, environment, identity and future generations.

He accused the BJP government of using land-conversion provisions to facilitate the sale of Goa’s land and questioned why employment opportunities remained inadequate despite the state’s economic potential and high GDP.

Fernandes expressed concern over young Goans leaving the state and moving abroad in search of employment, asking what land, heritage and cultural identity would be left for future generations if the present pattern of development continued.

He also raised concerns about law and order and defended taxi operators against attempts to label them a “mafia”, describing them instead as important ambassadors of Goa’s tourism industry.

Fernandes said the Goy Rakhonn Yatra reflected Congress’s commitment to safeguarding Goa’s land and future, appealing to the public to participate enthusiastically when Rahul Gandhi joins the campaign.

SAVIO D’SILVA PREDICTS POLITICAL CHANGE FROM VELIM

Congress leader Savio D’Silva expressed confidence that political change in Goa would begin in Velim during the 2027 Assembly elections. He criticised AAP leaders over what he described as attempts to weaken Congress’s electoral prospects and paid tribute to Dr Jack de Sequeira for his historic contribution to the 1967 Opinion Poll.

D’Silva raised concerns over pollution in the River Sal, the destruction of hills and paddy fields, and the growing threats to agricultural land and local communities. He called for stronger measures to protect Goa’s environment, natural resources and traditional way of life.

JOEL ANDRADE URGES YOUTH TO RISE FOR GOA

Congress leader Joel Andrade called upon the youth to unite and raise their voices to protect Goa’s land, culture, identity and future. He emphasised that young Goans must take an active role in defending the state against policies that threaten their opportunities and heritage.

Andrade also highlighted inadequate basic infrastructure and healthcare facilities in Velim, along with sanitation-related problems at the Cutbona fishing jetty, urging the authorities to address the concerns of local residents and fishing communities.

CONGRESS LEADERS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO PROTECT GOA

The Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Velim reinforced Congress’s campaign to protect Goa’s land, environment, cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods. Leaders reiterated that development must serve the interests of Goans and must not come at the cost of the state’s natural resources, social harmony and future generations.

The yatra also highlighted the importance of preserving Goa’s historic identity movements and ensuring that local communities have a voice in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods.1967