VASCO
Faced with severe backlash and outcry, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) withdrew its Expression of Interest (EOI) to lease approximately 1 km stretch of Baina Beach for water sports activities for a period of 30 years.
In a corrigendum issued on Friday, the MPA’s Engineering Civil Department stated: “The Expression of Interest for ‘Leasing of approximately 1 km stretch of Baina Beach for water sports activities by following e-tender cum e-auction basis for a period of 30 years’ stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
The MPA did not specify any reason for withdrawing the EOI.
Earlier in the day, the controversial move had sparked fierce opposition from political leaders and traditional fishing communities, all of whom are warning of massive statewide agitations against long-term private control over vital public coastal assets.
Condemning the development, Congress leaders argued that leasing out a public beach for three decades severely undermines unrestricted public access, threatens traditional fishing rights, and jeopardises the environmental and economic future of Goa's coastline.
Asserting that Goa's beaches belong exclusively to its people, the party vowed to resist any and all attempts at privatisation.
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes warned that the 30-year lease will completely devastate local tourism, severely damage the livelihoods of fishermen, and ultimately result in locals and fishing communities being entirely barred from setting foot on the beach. He alleged that the core rights of everyday residents are being compromised for private profit. Stepping up the local offensive, Mormugao Congress leader Nitin Chopdekar stated unequivocally that the beach is meant strictly for public recreation and remains the absolute, rightful domain of local residents and traditional fishermen. He declared that no MPA initiative will ever succeed and promised that local citizens will oppose the measure tooth and nail. Adding to the escalating tension, fishermen's leader Olencio Simoes warned that fish workers from every corner of Goa would march directly to the MPA offices if the authority moves forward with the proposal.
He cautioned that the protest could easily escalate to shutting down vital port operations entirely if the core grievances and survival concerns of the fishing community continue to be ignored. Earlier, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar launched a strong challenge against the MPA over its move to lease Baina beach for 30 years, warning that the port authority must not test his patience or take the interests of local residents and fishermen lightly.
‘Enough is Enough’ lobby also expressed concern over the MPA plans and called on the State government to act and protect the interests of the people of the State.
