The report on how the MPA has drastically lowered tariffs to Adani for coal handling is a direct insult to Goa. The ostensible reason given is the incomplete 4-lane port connectivity which results in longer times for coal throughput. The concession is now being given from 2020. This is indeed strange. So, why did Adani agree to the tariffs when there was no 4-lane connectivity? The MPA too would have negotiated rates on as is basis. Either Adani wanted to use the MPA without connectivity or not: MPA had all the negotiation power with them. It appears this is a backhand method to favour Adani. Many Goans were forced to avail VRS rather than bypass rules to favour companies like Adani. The MPA Chairman must know this and that Goans are not fooled. The MPA Chairman must show us how he arrived at the new rates: Rs 2.94 per ton per day as against Rs 68 earlier from day 26. The Goa government cannot remain a mute spectator. Opposition must grill the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
