PANAJI
Goa Forward Party Environment Cell convenor Vikas Bhagat on Wednesday said that by giving away the beaches of Goa in control of Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), the State government has betrayed the people of Goa, adding that the government should reveal how much revenue the State would be earning through coal handling and how many jobs would be created.
Bhagat was pointing out the issue of rejection of Goa’s CZMP plea on port limits.
Stating that it is a major setback to the State government, Bhagat pointed out the long-term effects of this Act on the livelihoods of Goans, stated a press release.
“Goa has 104 km coastline and out of it, 52 km is under MPT, which is now the authority to control this belt. Henceforth the fishermen, shack owners will have to seek the NOC from MPA. The double engine government is a failure and a disaster as it could not present its side before the Central government,” alleged Bhagat.
The Central government looks at Goa from the commercial point of view and is not bothered about preserving the culture of the State, said Bhagat, adding, “Our environment minister Nilesh Cabral expresses his ignorance about the whole issue, even after being briefed several times by activists like Abhijit Prabhudesai and Diana Tavares. It’s high time the people of Goa should wake up and ask the State government about its hidden deals with the Central government.”
