VASCO
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas on Friday took a firm stand against the leasing of the fishing jetty at Ferry Point to a private party.
Vas along with Cortalim Sarpanch Senia Pereira and other traditional fishermen addressed the media ahead of going to the Assembly session.
"We came to know about this through a Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ) that the fishing jetty can be given to a private party, so we came here to oppose this along with the local fishermen, the Cortalim panchayat, and the people of this constituency. We object to this and cannot allow the jetty to be privatised," Vas said.
"Last time, we met with James Braganza, the Captain of Ports, and discussed this matter. We were told that the matter is on hold. I have already spoken to the CM, and he assured me that the jetty will not be privatised. I will not allow this project to come here and I will mention this matter in a Zero Hour discussion," said Vas.
Cortalim Sarpanch Pereira said that the people of the area were against the jetty being privatised and feared entry of casino ships in the area.
"The answer we received through the LAQ indicated that the jetty is already leased out. I want to tell everyone that on December 14, 2022, the panchayat had written a letter to the River Navigation Department, clearly mentioning our objection to hiring or leasing the unused portion of the ferry ramp at Cortalim. A copy was sent to the Captain of Ports," the Sarpanch said.
"The very next day, we, along with our MLA, went to the office of the Captain of Ports to object to any activities other than fishing. We received a reply stating that the tender has been put on hold. How, then, can this be leased out to a private party?" Pereira questioned.
Pereira also mentioned a gram sabha resolution held in January where the villagers strongly objected to the leasing of the jetty.
"I request the government not to bypass the people, the panchayat, and the local MLA because we are answerable to the general public. We fear that a casino or other activities might take place. I will call another gram sabha to take a resolution opposing the project," added Pereira.
