CUNCOLIM: Betul gram sabha unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed port project at Betul, on Sunday.
The gram sabha decided to convey its sentiments to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Secretary and the Union Ministry for Surface and Transport.
The gram sabha, specially convened to discuss the proposed Betul port, was attended by local MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar, Sarpanch Mahadev Naik, panchas, NGOs and residents.
“We request the government not to impose any project against the wishes of people. If the government is thinking of building the port, we request government to take back this decision,” read the gram sabha resolution.
The gram sabha resolution also warned the government that if it tries to go ahead with the port project, the locals would not hesitate to take the law into their own hand.
Kavlekar told the gram sabha that the proposed port project is not feasible in Betul or practical for the locals, because, he said, the project would could lead to forced displacement of the people.
“We are opposing the port, because all the mining transport will shift to Betul, which will put the locals at great inconvenience. The roads are narrow and if all the mining transport is shifted at Betul, it will put pressure not only on Betul but Fatopra, Balli and on other roads. Betul is not the right place to have a port,” said Kavlekar.
Kavlekar said that Sindhudurg is ready for such type of ports and questioned the government as to why it is forcing the port on Betul, when Sindhudurg is ready to accept the same.
The gram sabha also raised their concern that this project would hamper fishing activities in Betul. Since Betul is a village of traditional fisherman, they worry that project would change the identity of the village and force them to stop their old age traditional profession. Some traditional fisherman told the gram sabha that they are planning to challenge project in the court.
It may be recalled that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, during his recent visit to Goa, had announced his ministry’s plans to build a port at Betul triggering an outcry and strong opposition from locals.
