VASCO
Barge owners on Friday demanded intervention of authorities and resumption of bauxite cargo operations at Mormugao Port, after claiming that a ship had been diverted to Jaigarh Port.
They have feared that this diversion could cause losses of Rs 12 crore to stakeholders, including Rs 3 crore to the barge industry in the State.
Goa Barge Owners Association past president Raymond De Sa said the principal company bringing in bauxite cargo had already diverted a ship to Jaigarh Port.
“There is a huge negative impact on the barge industry due to the diversion of bauxite cargo from MPA to JSW-Jaigarh Port. A ship ‘MV Star Scarlett’ with about 1,64,069 metric tonnes of bauxite cargo has been diverted to JSW Jaigarh Port by the importer,” said De Sa.
“The repercussions of this diversion have had a significant impact on various sectors, particularly the barge industry, cargo transporters, stevedores, and local labourers, who heavily rely on regular movement of bauxite cargo for their daily livelihood.”
“The sudden alteration of the cargo route from MPA to Jaigarh Port has created a looming threat to the stability and incomes of numerous individuals dependent on this cargo flow at MPA,” said De Sa.
De Sa estimated that the diversion of bauxite cargo could cause losses to the tune of Rs 12 crore to the stakeholders, including losses of Rs 3 crore to the barge industry.
“Owners of barge industry are currently facing formidable challenges due to the abrupt diversion, as operations are intrinsically tied to the efficient movement of cargo through MPA Port,” said De Sa.
“We earnestly call upon authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the unfortunate events surrounding the diversion of the ship and implement necessary measures to avert such incidents in the future.”
“Preserving the well-being and sustainability of the barge industry and its associated stakeholders is paramount to fostering a flourishing and harmonious community,” said De Sa.
