MARGAO
Mormugao Port Authority’s plans to revive the Betul Port proposal have triggered widespread outrage and criticism. Politicians across party lines, along with fishing and tourism stakeholders, have unanimously vowed to oppose the project tooth and nail.
From Congress Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa to Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva and South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, as well as various representatives of local fishing and tourism communities, all reiterated that the people will continue resisting the project to safeguard Betul and the surrounding villages from destruction.
Since Betul falls within Quepem taluka, Congress MLA Altone D’Costa said he is even prepared to quit politics if necessary, but will not abandon his constituents in their fight against the port. “Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had promised the people of Betul and Goa that the Betul Port project would be shelved. But the BJP government has a habit of saying one thing and doing another. As the MLA of Quepem, I will fully support the people of Betul and Quepem if any attempt is made to develop Betul into a port. The project will destroy fishing communities, damage tourism, and harm the environment,” he said.
Reiterating that the Betul project will be opposed at every level, D’Costa added that the people of Betul and Goa will ensure the project never sees the light of day. “We will bring all stakeholders -- NGOs, environmentalists, and local communities -- on board to decide the future course of action and convene a public meeting,” he added.
Coastline not for
sale: Velim MLA
Velim MLA Cruz Silva said he along with the traditional fishermen and trawler owners of the local fishing community, will firmly oppose the revival of the shelved Betul Port project.
“This proposal was rejected by the people of Betul and Salcete nearly a decade ago, and our position remains unchanged today. The livelihoods of thousands of traditional fishermen, trawler owners, and tourism stakeholders are directly threatened by such a development. The port project risks destroying fragile ecosystems, displacing local communities, and undermining the cultural and economic backbone of our villages”, he said.
Saying Goa’s coastline is not for sale, Silva said, “it is a heritage that sustains families, traditions, and livelihoods. We cannot allow industrial interests to override the voices of our people, who have already spoken clearly against this project”.
The MLA has called upon the MPA and the Government of India to respect the wishes of Goans and immediately withdraw any feasibility studies or revival attempts.
“Development must be people-centric, environmentally sustainable, and culturally respectful -- not imposed against the wishes of local communities. Together, we will continue to resist this project and safeguard Betul, Assolna, Cavelossim, and the entire Salcete coastline from destructive industrialization”, he added.
Part of Sagarmala
project: Viriato
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has said MPA’s plan to revive the Betul port is part of the Sagarmala project. He recalled having made a power point presentation in the year 2020 at Betul how the MPA will develop the area into a port as part of the Sagarmala project. “We will oppose the project tooth and nail. The Betul port is being developed as a satellite port for the benefit of crony capitalists”, he said.
The port will destroy the fishing communities eking a living from the marine resources. Trucks will destroy Betul and the surrounding vilages, he said.
Saying that the government is spending Rs 650 crore on double tracking project for the capitalists, the MP said the fight will continue on all fronts, including legal. “The government has foisted false cases on social activists. We have no problem. We will continue our fight to save Goa for posterity”, he added.
Backdoor entry
for coal: Vijai
The Goa Forward Party president has said any plan to develop Betul as a Port will destroy lives and livelihoods of the people dependent on fishing and tourism. He wondered how the port is making a backdoor entry when Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had promised to shift the port to the neighbouring states. “The fact that the feasibility study includes rail and road connectivity shows that the port is meant for coal transportation”, Sardesai said.
He added that people should come together and fight against plans to make Goa a coal hub.
Will oppose project:
Cavelossim sarpanch
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz has said that MPA’s tender to conduct a feasibility study on Betul Port is a matter of concern for Cavelossim-Mobor tourism belt. “We are heavily dependent on tourism and the MPA’s plans is to turn Betul into a coal and iron ore port, it will kill our tourism industry”, he said.
“Looking for railway line to be connected to the port means transportation of coal or minerals. We will oppose it tooth and nail. We will take up the matter with the Goa government to shed more light on it”, Dixon said.
