Team Herald
PANJIM: In a major victory for the villagers of Nauxim, Siridao and activists who were firmly protesting the setting up of a marina in their village, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) on Monday filed an affidavit before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, stating that the marina lease deed with promoters Kargwal Constructions has been terminated.
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The decision is being termed as a major victory by the anti-marina activists.
In its affidavit, the MPA stated that the lease deed signed with Kargwal Constructions in October 2010 stands terminated.
The tie-up was for creating a marina facility at the waterfront area within the port limits.
“The Mormugao Port Authority at its meeting held on May 27, 2022, resolved to terminate the said lease deed dated October 1, 2010, and pursuant thereto, such termination was intimated to the Respondent No1 vide communication dated June 30, 2022…,” reads the affidavit filed by MPA’s Law Officer Santosh Naik.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed stating that setting up of marina either at Nauxim Bay in Zuari River will pose a serious threat to the State and nation as it will not only destroy the protected species causing huge environmental degradation but will also make the protected species of wildlife, protected under The Wildlife (Protection) Act ,1972, extinct.
Adv Carlos Ferreira, the Advocate for petitioners, also Aldona Congress MLA, reacted to the MPA’s decision stating that changes for setting up the marina project in the village are over.
“If the lease deed has been terminated the promoters cannot go ahead with the project and the government did not support them,” Adv Ferreira said.
“The residents of Nauxim village had been fighting against the proposed marina project for a long time. It would have an adverse impact on the ecology and traditional occupation,” Adv Ferreira added.
