VASCO: The people of Sancoale and Chicalim are opposing the proposed marinas in Sancoale and Nauxim and have even got Environment Minister Alina Saldanha supporting them, but two other BJP leaders – Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and Power Minster Milind Naik – prefer to sit on the fence. The duo, both residents of Mormugao taluka, told Herald that they ‘liked’ the marinas they have seen on their travels abroad.
“Recently I was in Malaysia to attend a speakers’ conference. The atmosphere there is much like Goa and the hotel where I stayed had marina facilities. As the issue of marinas was drawing controversy in Goa I decided to check out this marina and when I saw it operating like any other taxi business, I liked the concept,” said Arlekar.
Sharing similar feelings, Naik said he was amazed to see the manner in which marinas functioned in Dubai. “I have no idea about marinas but what I know is that a marina is like any other jetty that provides services to luxury boats that are nine to 40 metres long. Thus, if the way the marinas are operated abroad is followed in Goa then it would be good for the state,” Naik said.
Both BJP leaders refused to state whether they favour marinas or not. Naik looked at the issue differently and said, “People have the right to oppose but one should give a thought to how many of the people presently dependent on river Zuari will get affected once the project comes and how many would get jobs once the marina is operational. The marina will come only if all the permissions are given. People abroad must have faced similar environment issues and if they still went ahead with the project then it shows that the issues can be dealt with.”
Both MLAs feel that the marinas need to be debated. “The issue was not explained or placed before the people and I feel MPT should be blamed for not putting the right facts before the people. In terms of environmental damage, I feel that barges plying in the inland waters also damage the marine ecology but we allow it. We must look at all aspects and then come to a solution,” Arlekar said.
While it appears that the BJP leaders are not against marinas, they don’t want the project forced upon the people. Arlekar promised to make a serious attempt to see that those opposing and those proposing the marina sit across the table, share their views and then come to a conclusion on the issue.
