From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Goa, Dec 2: Responding to the Special Leave Petition filed by Goa Foundation in the Supreme court over mining issue, Goa government in its affidavit has accused the NGO of “working with different agenda and ulterior motive to stall the economy of the state.”

The affidavit was filed today before the SC which is hearing the SLP challenging renewal of 80-odd mining leases.

Goa government for the first time taking a dig at NGO directly has said, “The petitioner of late has filed several litigations targeting the state’s vital infrastructural projects like bridges and a garbage treatment plant."

"The affidavit mentions that despite being aware about the increasing traffic jam and poor conditions of the existing Mandovi bridge evincing need for third bridge, the NGO has tried to stall the project by approaching National Green Tribunal.”

“The petitioner has also filed another petition before the NGT trying to stall the Terecol bridge which is also demanded by the locals, the villagers and the local Panchayat and wherein the bridge has been a demand since the last several years,” it stated.

It has also challenged the state's decision to set up solid waste treatment facility at Saligao, which is as per the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules.

“Therefore the State Government of late has found that the approach of the petitioners is to target infrastructural projects and against the interest of the state and the nation. These types of approach of the petitioner coupled with press statement smack of a different agenda,” affidavit reads.