PANAJI
Days after the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) was renamed as Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) under the provisions of the Major Port Authorities Act, (2021), RajyaSabha MP and TMC National vice-president LuizinhoFaleiro strongly hit out at the BJP for the privatization of the MPT on Tuesday.
TMC highlighted that one of the major drawbacks of this development would be revenue loss since the provisions in the MPA 2021 are designed to accord unrestricted and arbitrary powers in the hands of the Port Board (controlled by the Centre) whereby Goan laws would not be applicable, stated a press release.
LuizinhoFaleiro also lambasted the Congress for turning Goa into a coal destination and devastating the environment and ecology of the State for personal profits, the release adds.
Calling out the hypocrisy of both the BJP as well as the Congress, Faleiro said, "Different political parties have put up hoardings that they will not let Goa become a coal hub but we have evidence that shows how 13 million tonnes of coal has gone out of Goa. The first 12 berths at the port are reserved for corporates. All of Goa's coal reserves are hurriedly being transported to Adani and the other big corporates. TMC has come to fight this exploitation and panic sale of Goa’s resources."
Citing documentary evidence, Faleiro stated, "In October 2009, it was the Congress that signed up a deal of 5.5 million tonnes of coal with Jindal Company and then again in March 2012 they signed a deal for 5.2 million tonnes with Adani."
Given that as per the new MPA, construction and development activities can be carried out within port limits without any reference to local town planning and development laws, Faleiro added, "This new Act will severely hamper the livelihood of traditional fishermen since the Mormugao Port jurisdiction now extends up to Zuaribridge, Raj Bhavan and Betul."
