Panaji: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Sunday opposed the Rs 310 crore detailed project report (DPR) prepared by the Inland Waterways Authority of India for developing the Mandovi, Zuari rivers and Cumbarjua canal under the Sagarmala project, terming it “anti-Goan” and environmentally destructive.
Party president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “This proposal will destroy ecology and displace the livelihoods of local communities living on riverbanks.”
Sardesai alleged that the project’s real motive is to facilitate coal transportation.
As per the DPR, the cost for capital dredging of the Mandovi river is Rs 48.5 crore, Rs 106 crore each for the Zuari river and Cumbarjua canal, and Rs 50 crore for navigation aids, land acquisition, bank protection, mooring dolphins, manpower, and a vessel tracking system.
Sardesai, who was a minister in the 2017–18 Parrikar-led government, said, “The tri-party agreement between the Goa government, Union government and Inland Waterways Authority of India was signed back then. I’m not sure whether the current BJP government is even aware of this DPR. I doubt whether the Captain of Ports has any say in this proposal.”
He also warned that the proposal would pave the way for outside players, sidelining locals. Citing an example, he said, “Approval has been given for a private jetty at Brittona in the constituency of the Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte without his knowledge.”
‘Goans dissatisfied with BJP, looking for alternative’
Panaji: GFP chief Vijai Sardesai said that the people of Goa are dissatisfied with the BJP’s governance and are looking for a political alternative ahead of the next Assembly elections.
“The ruling BJP government has misplaced priorities and failed to protect the interests of Goa and its people.”
“I am sure that the people of Goa will decide by next year whether they want a new option of national or regional parties,” he added.
