the goan I network
OLD GOA
There is growing opposition to the proposed marina at Nauxim, with hundreds of locals on Tuesday participating in a bike rally across several villages likely to be affected by the project.
The two-hours rally began from Odxel-Taleigao and wend its way through the affected areas of Dona Paula, Bambolim, Siridao, Curca, Talaulim, Batim, Goa Velha and Agassaim, before finally winding up at Siridao, where a public meeting was held.
The participants in the bike rally comprised villagers of all the affected villages as well as from other parts of Goa.
Speaking at the meeting, Ramrao Wagh stated that the MPT has signed a death warrant of the fishermen along the 10 km radius where the marina would be set up.
“There is falsehood in the project report which states that elected representatives as well as locals were apprised of the project. It’s a big lie as nobody was contacted on the issue,” Wagh said.
“This rally is just the beginning and a bigger challenge lies ahead, for which the awareness on the ill-effects of the marina should reach every individual, so that a bigger agitation with a much bigger participation is held,” said Wagh, while asking everybody to come out in large numbers for the November 2 public hearing on the marina project.
Olencio Simoes castigated the MPT for claiming jurisdiction over a 53 km stretch of waters, right from Dona Paula to Betul. “Who has given MPT the right to lease the river belt for marina?” asked Simoes.
“The Nauxim marina project comprises 239 berths where 50 metre yachts will be berthed. Therefore, dredging of 3 lakh cubic metres will take place for a depth of 5 metres, thereby bringing large-scale destruction on the affected areas, displacing the fishermen and their livelihood,” he added.
“The Khariwado beach has already faced such destruction due to the Vasco harbour, which consists of only 9 berths. Once upon a time, it was a 1 km beach and now, it has been reduced to only 20 metres. The same fate would befall the areas affected by the Nauxim marina,” Simoes said.
Jagdish Bhobe said the agitation has begun against the marina on the day of Dussehra, which signifies victory of good over evil.
“Marina is an evil thrust upon the people and let us fight for victory over it,” he informed while adding that if, need be, the villagers should be ready to fight a legal battle against the marina.
Activist Rama Kankonkar urged St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira to write to the government stating that the marina is opposed by the locals.
“If the government doesn’t listen, then resign from the
Speakers show thumbs down to promises ON JOBS
