Team Herald
VASCO: Goencho Avaaz on Saturday demanded that the State government initiate immediate action against MPT failing which it would be compelled to expose the dubious role of the government and the players behind the “entire scam and loot” of the State land.
Condemning the State government’s lethargic attitude, Goencho Avaaz on Saturday said it suspects someone’s vested interest in the government is hindering action against Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) with regards to the reclaimed land in River Zuari.
In a press statement, Goencho Avaaz said, “The recent exposure by Herald on the land grab by MPT is shocking and has raised grave doubts about the intention of the Port Trust. Moreover, the reclaiming of almost 5.7 lakh sq metres of River Zuari and extending the reclaimed land to cater for storage of coal for crony capitalists exposes the corrupt intent of MPT.”
“Despite the extensive proof presented to the government and the Minister for Revenue as well as the Captain of Ports claiming that the land belongs to the State, and the admission by the minister as well as the CoP, it is surprising that no action has been initiated against the Port Trust. This points a clear finger that some vested interests within the government are against any action as it is widely believed that the land grab by MPT is to store coal being brought by crony capitalists who are sponsoring the politicians to loot the State,” GA alleged.
GA claimed that this land grab is also linked to the double tracking project that the State government in association with the Centre is pushing forward against the wishes of the people.
“What is also surprising is the fact that MPT had leased large tracts of land at Nauxim to a private company for setting up the marina that the people are fighting against. The LAQ raised by the MLA of Curtorim revealed the entire illegal act by MPT and the least the government could have done is to initiate action against the Chairman of MPT,” it charged.
“Considering that the Chief Minister himself is pushing for the Nauxim marina project and is not interested in initiating action against MPT, and is least interested in saving our land,” GA alleged.
