the goan I network
VASCO
Claiming that that Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) did not own the Vasco bay, Kharewado beach nor the adjoining water, Vasco-based environment activist Adv Savio Correia on Friday said the MPT could not be entitled to or allowed to carry out any type of development in the area.
Speaking at the public hearing at Chicalim on MPT’s proposed expansion plans, Correia said it was also objectionable that MPT was planning to get a Petroleum Oil Lubricant (POL) berth within 500 mtrs of city limits from the existing area, which was 1.5 kms away from the city. He asked the MPT to reconsider the suggestion of retaining POL berth at the same location at Berth 8.
“The main focus of my submission was on the ownership title of MPT, where I have pointed out that of the 65,000-70,000 sq mtrs envisaged for the project, not a single sq mtr belonged to MPT.”
“They don’t have any ownership documents or titles and the area belongs to Government of Goa and therefore, to the people of Goa as per Section 14/1 of land revenue code.”
“I also pointed out to project proponents and collector and showed RTI replies received from MPT and none of the documents showed that Vasco bay, Kharewado beach and adjoining waters were owned by MPT. As such, a person who does not have a title to the land is not entitled to and allowed to carry out any type of development in the area,” said Corriea.
Correia said he was in favour of a fishing jetty but as long as it was taken up at the existing location and move it 300 mtrs in the Eastern side for net mending facility and to convert the existing jetty into a world-class fishing jetty.
