THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Congress on Thursday questioned the State government’s proposed move to hand over the operation and maintenance of the newly constructed Captain of Ports (CoP) terminal building and government jetties to a private operator, alleging that the arrangement could ultimately benefit casino operators.
Addressing a press conference, GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar questioned the rationale behind handing over public maritime infrastructure to a private entity, pointing out that the new CoP building had been constructed with taxpayers’ money.
“Whose money is the new Captain of Ports building being built with? BJP’s? No, it is being built with taxpayers’ money. Those who pay IT bills, utility bills, buy petrol and vegetables, pay house tax - their money has built the new Captain of Ports building, and now they want to privatise it,” Kawthankar said.
As per the Request for Proposal (RFP), he pointed out that the private operator would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the building and six existing jetties at Panaji, Old Goa and Betim. The project also proposes three additional floating jetties near Kala Academy, Mahaveer Garden and the Parshuram statue.
Kawthankar questioned the purpose of the proposed floating jetties and alleged they were primarily intended to facilitate casino operators and yachts.
“For whom this floating jetties? These are only to benefit casino operators. Goans are not going to use this for ferry boat,” he said.
He also alleged that the controversial marina project, which had faced public opposition, was being brought near Divja Circle under the new name ‘Yacht Station’.
Kawthankar warned that the proposed infrastructure could add to traffic congestion in Panaji, particularly around Merces Circle, and raised concerns over increased maritime activity and its possible impact on pollution and fish availability in the Mandovi river.
