The timing is running out for public suggestions to the draft jetty policy. According to the public notice issued by the Director of Tourism Nikhil Desai, the window for public discourse on the policy closes on October 31. Till now, several gram sabhas that have taken up the contentious issue have raised stiff opposition to the policy, with their fears mainly hinging on the document providing a licence for the exploitation of the State's waterways.
The extension of time given for public comment is welcome, considering the hostility witnessed earlier. The bigger question is how the department will proceed with the sea of negativity that is surrounding the policy document. Gram sabhas in coastal Salcete have given a big thumbs down to the plan. They have passed resolutions opposing the project while raising apprehensions that the government may usher in corporatisation via tourism.
Coincidentally, the jetty policy is taking shape when Mopa International Airport is almost ready to take off. The reference made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari that Goa should go the Venice way and connect the new airport with waterways gives a broad hint of things to come. The concept of floating jetties floated some time back and is now on the threshold of turning into a reality that will surely change tourism dynamics in Goa. We could be headed towards a ''sea change'' through water connectivity.
Moreover, with the recent Water Sports Policy, the government has moved to put an order into the activity and, in the process, has taken complete control. All water sports operators are now required to register with the department and will be governed by a universal tariff regime. The Water Sports Policy and the draft Jetty Policy may be independent policy documents but seem to operate in sync with each other, and therein lies the fear.
The Congress-turned-BJP MLA from Calangute constituency Michael Lobo has been sceptical over the water sports policy and has carefully chosen his words. "My strong belief is that at least the water sports activity should remain with our locals. People think it will be given out to somebody else, to outside players who will bring more boats. That should not happen," he stated recently.
The primary concern is about Goa's traditional occupations being wiped off and locals displaced of their livelihoods. Currently, traditional fishermen and those engaged in water sports are communities that are feeling threatened. Public suggestions, comments, and resolutions passed at the gram sabhas opposing the jetties are obvious in their opposition. The question is whether the tourism department will allay the fears of villagers or whether the public debate will be an exercise in futility.
We raise these questions because public suggestions on significant policies have been meaningless in the past and have been inserted more as a formality. Also, the intent shown in pursuing the project is visible, and the government is doubtful of watering down the policy. At best, it is to be seen how the tourism minister and the department alleviate fears and anxiety in the minds of Goans and how the breach of trust will be repaired.
