THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes has termed the Mormugao Port Authority’s (MPA) decision to withdraw its proposed long-term lease of Baina beach a wake-up call for Goans rather than a victory, warning that the public must remain vigilant against similar moves in the future.
Fernandes said the withdrawal of the proposal to lease approximately one kilometre of Baina beach for water sports activities should not be seen as the end of the issue, alleging that the MPA was merely testing public opposition before proceeding with its plans.
The MP maintained that the controversy had brought the larger issue of the MPA’s jurisdiction over Goa’s coastal areas into focus.
He said the fight would continue until the authority’s jurisdiction was withdrawn and the port authority was restored to its earlier identity as the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), instead of the present Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
Fernandes said the withdrawal should not lead to complacency, stressing that Goans must remain alert to protect public beaches, coastal resources and traditional livelihoods from decisions taken without adequate consultation.
He asserted that the agitation against the MPA’s jurisdiction would continue, making it clear that the Baina beach issue was part of a larger fight over control of Goa’s coastal assets.
