MPT jurisdiction: Will write to Centre, says Sawant

The assurance from the chief minister came in response to the discussions on a private member's resolution moved by Curtorim MLA, Aleixo Reginald Lourenco  on the issue.

Several members expressed concern and fear that MPT will have sweeping powers under the law and curb the rights including fishing rights of locals in the areas surrounding the port.

Lourenco had urged in the resolution that the Shipping Ministry exempt MPT from the provisions of the Major Ports Authority Act, 2020 in so far as exclusion of municipal, local or government regulations and master plans are concerned.

The Curtorim MLA said it is all the more important in view of Goa's small geographical size and the impact on public participatory and planned development in the State. 

Lourenco eventually withdrew his resolution after the assurance from Sawant but not before wrangling over the tone of the Chief Minister's letter to the Centre. 

Sawant also said he will take into consideration all the discussion in the House on the issue and accordingly write the letter to the Centre. He also assured that before dispatching the letter to the Centre, he will show the draft of the letter to Lourenco and other interested members to incorporate any further issues.

The issue of MPT's jurisdiction has been intermittently surfacing over the last two decades especially relating to the fishing community in Vasco who have been at loggerheads with authorities at the port. 

The controversy over the proposed Marina project at Nauxim also stems from jurisdictional issues of MPT and a lease signed between the port and the proponents of the marina project is also under challenge before the Bombay High at Goa. The MPT claims jurisdiction over the area in Nauxim which is the opposite bank of the Zuari river  from Mormugao.