The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has withdrawn its show cause notice to Nauxim project proponents M/s Kargwal Construction Pvt Ltd, paving the way for the controversial marina. While the MPA had threatened to terminate the lease deed signed in 2010 for failure on the part of KCPL to submit the required clearances for the project, this is a U-turn that puts the project back on track.
Lest we forget, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in January 2021 that his government has decided to drop the marine project and added that it is for that reason that hearing and related exercises have been cancelled. He, however, had hastened to add that a final call would be taken after going through the documents “since the project was approved by the MPT (now MPA) and not the State government.
The MPA appears to have a change of mind after KCPL attributed the delay to clearances by MoEF, GCZMA and GSPCB. It also cited the cancellation of public hearings twice and that the CZMP was not finalised. So, what triggered the change that the MPA is now giving the project a ‘go ahead’?
The MPA chairman agreed that the project was actively considered if feasible. However, what surprised many was an attempt to rebrand the project as “a working facility,” which MPA calls a super-yacht marina dock for yachting activities. Interestingly, the chairman asked people to convey their objections to the MPA rather than choosing other platforms to air their views.
The objections and concerns over the project haven’t changed over the past few years. Fear of ecological destruction, disturbing marine life, and displacing livelihoods of people dependent on fishing in the area continue to be the prime concerns. Against this backdrop, the MPA will have to explain to the people how the project, in whatever form it is set up, will not impact ecology along the stretch of the river. It may be noted that the entire bay extending from Dona Paula to Agasaim is rich in marine life, with even the rare Windowpane Oysters making a comeback. And over 100 fishermen earn their livelihoods with their catch along the site.
People in the area oppose the public hearing because past instances have shown that objections raised at the forum have fallen on deaf ears, and authorities have gone ahead with projects irrespective of their harmful and environmentally damaging nature. The public hearings for the flawed CZMP draft turned out to be a farce, and subsequently, a public hearing for the much-opposed Bainguinim Garbage treatment plant turned out to be a meaningless exercise after concerns went unanswered and the project was cleared. The question is whether public hearings are held to comply with a formality.
The State government will have to intervene and examine the issue at hand. Also, while the St. Andre MLA has voiced opposition and has threatened to come on the roads in protest, it is to be seen which side the two other MLAs -- from Taleigao and St Cruz, stand.
