The Goan Network
Panjim
Opposition MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on Wednesday raised concerns over one lakh square meters of waterfront land along both sides of the River Zuari being leased out to private companies.
Speaking in the Assembly, Lourenco said that there was fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of St Andre and Cortalim constituencies about the lease of one lakh square meters of land to make marinas for small boats and yachts. Lourenco questioned whether the Murmugao Port Trust (MPT) had leased the land to private companies and asked the government to step in.
"Large tracts of river area and water front areas have been leased. These private companies shouldn’t be given a free hand to do whatever they want. Local interests should be protected," said Lourenco. Joining Lourenco were Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldnha.
According to Silveira, a resolution had been passed in the gram sabha saying that the people of Nauxim didn't want a marina and that if the same was proposed it had to be discussed with the people.
Saldanha too said that Sancoale Bay was a biodiversity hotspot and a source of a lot of livelihoods. "Under no circumstances can a marina be allowed on Sancoale or Chicalim Bay," she said.
Faleiro stated that MPT had encroached from North to South Coast. He proposed cancelling the leases if they were still valid, as well as consulting stakeholders like fishermen.
Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte in his reply said that the MPT came under the Centre as it was a major port, and that the government would have to check whether this one lakh square meters of waterfront land came under the Goa Land Revenue Code or the Centre's Act. He assured to find out the legalities and find a way forward in consultation with Opposition MLAs. He also said that the Environment Department and Captain of Ports would have to be involved in the matter.
