THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has launched a sharp critique of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) after the sudden closure of a key foot overbridge, calling it symbolic of a larger effort to displace locals and assert authoritarian control over Mormugao.
Sardesai, who visited the site of the welded-shut foot overbridge gates, said the incident illustrates the growing disconnect between the MPA and the local population.
“The issue of the MPT gate remains unresolved because Vasco and Mormugao are slowly turning into the Republic of MPA. The port authority functions like a government within a government,” he said.
The foot overbridge, which provided critical pedestrian access, was abruptly closed by MPA authorities, sparking anger among residents and local public representatives who were not consulted. Sardesai accused the MPA of acting unilaterally and showing blatant disregard for the interests and rights of locals.
“Even the Vasco MLA is not being taken seriously by the MPA. This is not just an issue of infrastructure. It is about who controls this town. The port authority wants to displace the original residents and seize control of the area without accountability,” Sardesai alleged.
He reiterated his long-standing warning about the dangers posed by the new Major Ports Authority Act, which grants sweeping powers to port trusts like the MPA.
“We had warned that the new Ports Act would lead to exactly this situation, a state within a state with no checks, one that undermines local democracy and civic rights,” he said.
