Stakeholders slam MPA move; worry coal and mineral handling will turn coast black, drive away European visitors
MARGAO
Mobor beach is regarded as one of Salcete’s most pristine stretches of coastline—where the River Sal, the lifeline of Salcete, meets the Arabian Sea. The Cavelossim–Mobor beach belt is often described as the hub of luxury tourism, thanks to the many high-end hotels and resorts dotting the village.
However, the mere mention of the proposed Betul Port has sent shockwaves through the tourism community. Hoteliers, beach shack operators, and water-sports businesses from Mobor all the way up to Benaulim fear for their livelihood.
According to the Sagarmala Master Plan, the Betul Port is proposed to be developed at Betul, overlooking the picturesque and eco-sensitive Mobor beach. This area attracts a large number of European tourists—particularly from the United Kingdom—whose repeated visits sustain the local tourism economy and support thousands of livelihoods, including those of hotels, beach shacks, tourist taxi operators, and water-sports providers.
President of the Goan Shack Owners Society, Cruz Cardozo, questioned whether the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has considered the possibility that the pristine white sands of the Mobor–Cavelossim coastline, and the wider Salcete belt, could be turned black. He cautioned the government that if this were to happen, tourists would stop coming, leaving locals with no option but to seek opportunities abroad for survival.
“How can the government even imagine setting up a port right next to a beach belt known worldwide for its pristine beauty? Tourists come here to enjoy the serene environment and return home with fond memories. Will they ever visit again if a port looms over the coast?” he asked.
Drawing parallels with Delhi’s air pollution crisis, he added, “Just look at the plight of people in Delhi—many are relocating to Goa to escape the severe pollution. Where are Goans supposed to go if the State is devastated by coal handling and other such projects?”
Cruz further stated that tourism stakeholders will soon meet to discuss the situation and seek government intervention to protect the tourism sector. “The port will not only destroy tourism-dependent livelihoods but also traditional ones. We will approach the government with our concerns before the MPA moves ahead with the Betul Port plan,” he said.
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, a small and medium hotelier, said it is indeed a matter for concern that a port is coming next to the Mobor neighbourhood. “The tourism industry will not survive if the MPA turns Betul Port as a coal and iron ore port. The fact that the MPA has ordered a study to lay a railway line shows that it is meant for the transportation of coal and minerals. We will oppose the Port,” Dixon asserted.
Biodiversity activists, fishermen say fish-breeding zone will be destroyed
MARGAO: Bio-diversity activists, fishermen and water sports operators along the Mobor–Cavelossim–Benaulim beach belt have raised strong objections to the proposed Betul Port planned by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
Chairperson of the Cavelossim Biodiversity Committee, Roy Barretto, warned that the project could destroy a crucial fish-breeding zone located just metres from the mouth of the River Sal. “The port is being proposed right next to a major fish-breeding hub in the shallow waters off the River Sal mouth. This area sustains species such as Chonak and Rauss, besides crabs. Pollution from port activities will be disastrous for the rich biodiversity here and for the fishing community,” Barretto said.
Benaulim fisherman and water sports operator Pele Fernandes questioned the logic of setting up a port beside the pristine Salcete coastline, a world-renowned tourist destination. “A port at Betul will devastate both tourism and traditional fishing. Pollution from port operations will drive tourists away from the Salcete coast, affecting hotels, shacks, taxi operators, and water-sports businesses,” he cautioned.
He added, “Just imagine the traditional fishermen trying to continue their livelihood with country-made boats and nets in the shallow Arabian Sea while a port operates right next to them.”
Making a humble appeal to the government, Fernandes urged authorities to safeguard the interests of tourism and fishing stakeholders. He called on the government to instruct the MPA to halt the tender process for appointing consultants for the proposed Betul Port.
