Goa govt allows SWR to use land for doubling of tracks

The Goa State Board for Wildlife today cleared the proposal of South Western Railway (SWR) for use of land along the existing track in Goa for double- tracking project.
"It was decided to allow the SWR to convert the change of land use in the forest area along the existing track which was required for the double-tracking project," Goa Forest Minster Rajendra Arlekar told PTI today.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
The SWR had asked the State forest department to allow conversion of 97 hectors of the land, but the board today decided that only 21 hector should be allowed to be converted.

The minister said the Railways will build under pass and over pass on the places which are traditional pathways for the wild animals.
"We will ensure that the wild animals are not facing any disturbance due to the double tracking," he said.
In another decision, the board also decided to allow conversion of 41 hectors of land as a part of four laning of the road in Anmod ghat section.
The Minister said in this section too, under pass and over pass would be constructed on the paths traditionally used by wild animals.