Confusion, uneasiness and suspicion have once again crept in the minds of locals along coastal Salcete and Mormugao when the entire stretch of River Sal and large areas along the River Zuari are shown under "Port Limits" in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan. The eerie silence over this development is baffling, especially against the backdrop of the Major Port Authorities Bill 2020 passed in Parliament.
Here is the worry for Goans. The provisions of the bill bestow upon Major Ports Authority sweeping powers to carry out constructions and development activities on areas demarcated as "Port Limits". The Authority is empowered to develop infrastructure facilities, including setting up new ports, jetties and navigational channels, according to the interest of the port. Also, the powers of the Ports Authority supersede the town and planning department and other State laws on development. Effectively, local bodies or State departments will be powerless when it comes to areas specified as "Port Limits".
Once the Act comes into force, it could give complete powers to the MPT on all coastal areas shown in the CZMP under "Port Limits". In Goa's context, this move could have a crippling effect on the State's coastal landscape where traditional fishermen and other habitats co-existed in a State-governed eco-system. They will feel threatened.
Mindful of the magnitude and significance of the public hearing, the State government has allocated a single day to hear objections and suggestions. On March 7 there will be sessions held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao for South Goa and at Taleigao Community Hall for North Goa, both from 10 am to 7 pm. While the plan is essentially going to be a coastal blueprint, there is a need to patiently hear out stakeholders and people because there are lives, livelihoods and Goa's environment at stake. By allocating a single day to hear out people from North and South Goa at only two venues, there is an unnecessary hurry being shown. Furthermore, when there is a call to maintain social distancing and adhere to Covid protocols, the logic behind this move to rush with hearings in one day is questionable.
While people are seeking clarity on the inclusion of "port limits" in the draft plan, authorities must come clear before public rebellion heats up. Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral, who was made to eat a humble pie during the failed exercise of 2019, must ensure that he wins the confidence of the people this time around. With a veil of secrecy maintained by authorities despite the concerns raised by sections of people in Salcete and Mormugao, it appears that lessons of the past haven't been learnt. Crucial time has been lost in finalising the plan, courtesy of the errors shown in the draft of 2019, and the least the government would want is further delay.
