The newly re leased Coastal Zone Man agement Plan (CZMP) draft shows Betul Port and the surrounding Cavelossim and Mobor areas falling under the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) port limits, sparking opposition from local residents. A resolu tion opposing the plan was passed at a gram sabha held in Cavelossim. The meeting, chaired by Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz at the panchayat hall, highlighted that the issue had first been discussed in 2019. “In 2011, the port limits did not include this area. Af ter public opposition, it was removed from the plan, but the newly circulated draft again shows it under MPA limits,” Vaz said. Residents, including shack operators and fish ermen, expressed strong objections. They argue that tourism is the primary live lihood in the area, and the port plan could impose re strictions, affecting their income. Previously, objec tions to CZMP drafts were formally invited, but the lat est draft was sent via email, giving communities limited time to respond.
The final date for submitting objections is January 20. The gram sabha also addressed local issues, including stray dogs. The Panchayat operates a dog shelter to manage strays, providing sterilisation, vaccination, and twice-daily feeding, which has reduced dog-bite incidents. Revenue from starred hotels in the panchayat area was also discussed. The sarpanch noted that some hotels had not paid luxury room taxes over the past three years, but 90% of dues from 2019 to 2021 have now been recovered. The meeting raised concerns about the Mobor jetty, where boats are docked, and fish are handled. Locals have objected to these activities, and the panchayat plans to is sue a ‘show-cause’ notice to halt any unauthorised opera tions at the jetty.
