Public feedback on jetty policy is in; over to the tourism minister

THE GOAN NETWORK | OCTOBER 31, 2022, 08:48 PM IST

Hundreds of protesters against the jetty policy managed to make their way from Cavelossim in South Goa to Azad Maidan in Panaji despite the South Goa District Magistrate rejecting permission to hold the rally. The participants at the rally managed to hoodwink the police, which was in full force at strategic positions, by not giving any indications of being part of a rally. At Azad Maidan, Panaji, where all protesters congregated, the voices of the opposition to the policy were loud and clear.

It would be rather difficult to comprehend whether this symbolic rally could change the course of the jetty policy, especially when there was a public consultation exercise in place, and what kind of impact it would have on the powers that be.

The protesters raised concerns, most of which had echoed in gram sabhas across villages in coastal Salcete and beyond. Speakers argued how rivers, estuarine ecosystems and khazan lands that have been the defining markers of the Goan landscape could be ravaged. In addition, there were concerns about how the jetty policy could wipe off traditional fishermen from their habitats and why the jetty policy is an urgent need for tourism. The presence of Opposition political leaders, although minuscule, gave further impetus to the protests.

On Monday, the tourism department deadline for public suggestions closed and the focus will now shift to the government. It is for the tourism department to allay apprehensions and explain why it perceives the policy as a game changer for tourism. Specific decisions on jetties need detailing. For example, plans to develop the jetty at Rassaim in Loutolim, an area which has been a designated shipyard and hub of ship repairs, are questionable from the tourism standpoint.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has stated that the government is firm on going ahead with the jetty policy and blamed vested political players for using the issue as a springboard to bounce back. He rubbished allegations of jetties affecting fishing or policy being used to facilitate coal transportation. There is a lot of expectation from Khaunte, who steps in after some horrible stints of his predecessors. Tourism needs to move ahead, and what Goa needs is inclusive tourism growth, an economic growth that is distributed fairly across society and that creates opportunities for all.

No matter how the opposition reacts and the magnitude of their fears, it is for Khaunte to explain his plan of action and be convincing about how his department will go about protecting the interests of locals.

The gram sabhas have reacted sharply in several villages, and the same questions have been raised. The public has raised pointed questions, and it is for the tourism minister to come out with answers. Defiance should not be the way forward, especially when there is a level of distrust looming in the background. Over to the tourism minister.

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