Team Herald
PANJIM: Opposition to the Rs 8-crore private jetty proposed at Malim gathered steam on Sunday with the members of the Penha de Franca Village Panchayat declaring that they would not grant permission for the project as the villagers do not need it.
Speaking to the mediapersons, Sarpanch Sapnil Chodankar and panchayat members made it clear that they would not hesitate to take to the streets if required.
Chodankar said, “I have read in a newspaper about the Central government granting permission to a Mumbai-based company to construct a jetty, the panchayat had not been informed or consulted about the project’s location.”
Chodankar said, “I would like to know the specific location of the jetty. The panchayat will not grant permission for the jetty, as the villagers do not need it. Even the local MLA, who is the Tourism Minister, is unaware of the jetty’s location. I will inform the MLA that the jetty’s construction would negatively impact the local fishermen’s businesses.”
Chodankar said, “The panchayat will write to the Captain of Ports to request information about the jetty and whether the company has been granted any permission.”
He said, “We will inquire why the panchayat was not informed and whether any NOC has been issued for the project, as the panchayat has not received a copy. As the local elected body, we have been questioned whether we have granted any permission.”
Panch member Narayan Naik said, “I have learned about the (proposed) jetty through the media, which is surprising since we have no knowledge of it. I received numerous calls inquiring about the jetty, but the truth is that we are unaware of it. In a democratic country, neither the Central nor the State government can proceed without consulting the local elected body.”
“We do not require the project. We are with the people. If we have to launch an agitation, then we will go ahead. If the project is going to benefit the locals, then they should be briefed about the perceived benefits,” he said.
Learned about the project through media: Khaunte
PANJIM: Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte stated that he was unaware of the Rs 8 crore private jetty project at Malim on River Mandovi, till it was reported in the media.
Speaking to mediapersons, he said, “I have read this news in the newspaper. I am not aware of it. I have already checked with the panchayat (officials), who confirmed that they have not granted any permission for the project. How could permission be granted by the Central government without conducting a proper study?” Emphasising the importance of considering local sentiments, the interests of traditional fishermen, and the overall impact of the project, he said, “As the local MLA, I should have been informed and involved in discussions, and that the community should have been consulted before any decisions were made.”
Expressing his commitment to stand with the people, he said, “It’s crucial to understand who authorised the permission, as it cannot be solely based on Central approval without local awareness. I will take up the matter with the Chief Minister to ensure transparency.”
Highlighting his concern that significant decisions are being made without the knowledge of the local representatives, Khaunte said, “If necessary, I will also write to the Centre to ascertain whether there has been any misrepresentation of facts.”
As per reports, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) issued the first digital No Objection Certificate (NoC) for the project on April 9 to Marina India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. The project, designed to boost river cruise tourism, was approved under new IWAI regulations that facilitate private jetties on national waterways.