the goan I network
VASCO
While resolving to urge the State government to resume mining operations in the State, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday resolved to oppose the Major Port Authority Bill 2016 which is likely to be passed during the forthcoming monsoon session of the parliament and demanded exemption of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) from the bill.
The MMC passed a resolution expressing concern and objection to the proposed bill after receiving a letter from DMA to assess the impact of the bill on Goa.
Councillors felt that the bill would adversely impact Goa considering its geographical size and the substantial extent of MPT port limits. Councillor Yatin Kamurlekar said 16 lakh sq mtrs had been given to MPT by the State government and MPT had further leased it out to private parties.
“Besides 16 lakhs sq mtrs of land, the MPT has reclaimed another land of around 6 lakh sq mtrs for its operational area. If they can lease government land to private parties and share revenues, then MMC also should get a share as we are a part of the government.”
“Secondly, the area reclaimed as per land revenue board belongs to Goa government and the government should verify if they have taken necessary permission before reclaiming the land and should either initiate necessary action or direct them to provide revenue to MMC as well,” insisted Kamurlekar.
MMC chief Deepak Naik said the MMC and many panchayats could be economically affected if the bill was passed.
“If the bill is passed, then MPT would be an autonomous body and would not require permission for construction activities. There will be no control by MMC over development activities within the operational areas of about 22 lakh sq metres of land.”
“This would be a huge loss in revenue like construction license fees, infrastructure tax, house tax, trade licence fees, etc. We will strongly object if MPT is not exempted from this bill,” said Naik.
