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---------------------------------------------------------- MLAs from Mormugao taluka back MBA MBA opposes MPT's plans to expand port infrastructure ---------------------------------------------------------- Cutting across the party lines, the three legislators from Mormugao taluka have come together to fight against the Mormugao Port Trust's proposed extension plan of the port infrastructure here today. The three legislators namely, the Vasco MLA (NCP) and the Revenue Minister, Mr Jose Philip D'Souza, the Cortalim MLA (Congress) and the Deputy Speaker, Mr Mauvin Godinho and the Mormugao MLA (BJP), Mr Milind Naik have decided to support the Mormugao Bachao Abhiyan (MBA), consisting of 14 associations in Mormugao who are directly or indirectly affected due to the proposed expansion plan of the port by the MPT.It was decided to intensify the agitation, if the MPT failed to fulfil the demand of the MBA before February 10. Addressing a press conference, the Revenue Minister, Mr Jose Philip D'Souza highlighted that the port authorities were acting without considering the interest of the people. Mr D'Souza alleged that the MPT chairman, Mr Praveen Agarwal has not taken into confidence the local associations who are in the business of fishing and transportation of iron ore for long time. "I am not against the development," stated Mr D'Souza and further pointed out that the MPT authorities should take into confidence the locals first. He however also said that the fishing jetty will be retained at Khariwada in the interest of the fishermen and henceforth they would not tolerate any shifting proposal of the MPT of the existing fishing jetty. The deputy speaker and Cortalim MLA, Mr Mauvin Godinho addressing the media said, "While iron ore exports is the main stay of the Goan economy, the MPT is troubling the associations which are linked with the various activities." "Why does the MPT built castles in the air?" questioned Mr Godinho and further pointed out that it is impossible task for the MPT to go ahead with the proposed plans to expand the port without the mandate of the people. Mr Godinho said that he would submit detailed information on the MPT chairman to the central government and would also appeal for a CBI inquiry. "Don't take the state government for granted and don't play with the feelings of the people in the state," Mr Godinho warned the MPT and further asked the MPT to refrain from any activities which are against the interest of the people. Mr Godinho has assured the various associations who came under one banner of MBA to remain behind them and redress their problems. The Mormugao MLA, Mr Milind Naik alleged that the MPT has acquired vast land without the consulting the local municipal body. He condemned the decision taken by the MPT authorities to shift the existing Holy Cross at Headland-Sada to somewhere else. Mr Naik has also raised strong objections over the four-lane highway alignment at Headland- Sada. The Goa Barge Owners' Association president, Mr Atul Jadhav said, "There is no human angle at all in the MPT's proposed development plans." Mr Jadhav reiterated that the MPT should take people into confidence and further opined that the development will be clarified by the people and not by taking one-side decisions. Mr Jadhav said, "It is a high time to respond by the people to the MPT's move in expanding port which is against the interest of the people and the community." The MBA convenor, Mr Simon Pereira suggested that the MPT should give representation to any of their associated members as a trustee by replacing the trustees who reside outside the state. Mr Pereira highlighted that coal and dust pollution has increased in Vasco and further opposed the transportation of coal by means of road and handling of the coal into the port premises. He also demanded that the MPT should construct the fishing jetty as per the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in between the Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association and the MPT in 1998. ----------------------------------- The Navhind Times 10/02/08 page1 ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK ----------------------------------------------------------- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa ----------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----------------------------------------------------------
