Marina proponent says they will drop project if convinced about genuine flaws

PANJIM: Amidst growing opposition to the 350-crore proposed marina at Nauxim village in Tiswadi, the project proponent has announced to withdraw the project if the villagers cum opponents points out genuine flaws and concerns with regards to the facility.  

AHOY Marina, as it will be known, will be developed by Kargwal Constructions Pvt Ltd, across 1,00,000 sq mtrs stretch, with a land area admeasuring 50,000 sq mtrs as per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report. The public hearing on the project, to be conducted by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GPSCB) is scheduled on November 2. 

Addressing media persons on Monday, AHOY Marina director Arun Dua said that he is ready to drop the project if the people, who are opposing the Marina, are able to convince and point out genuine flaws and concerns with regards to the project. 

"We are open for talks and dialogues with the villagers and opponents. We are ready to address their concerns. If the project is going to serve good purpose then it should be welcomed. Also, if it is going to hurt or disturb environment or anyone, we are going to drop it," Dua added. 

He has urged people to come out in large numbers for the public hearing to express their concern and to give them an opportunity to address the same. 

The villagers and NGOs have opposed the move to set up the marina, approved by Investment Promotion Board, four years back, as they feel that the project will adversely affect traditional fishing activities in Zuari bay and also lead to ecological problem. 

Dua said that proposed marina is a blue green enterprise, compatible to coastal environment and has no discharge or discard. "I can assure you that we are not going to do anything that will harm the environment, traditional activities, ecology or marine life. It is an internationally certified 'green' project without pollution, zero waste objectives, etc," he said. 

Speaking about the benefits of the project to State and locals, Dua said that State will earn revenue in form of taxes and will also help in economic growth over wide spectrum from tourism. 

It will also help in creating direct and indirect employment opportunities to local youths in form of taxi service, restaurants, security, clerical jobs, etc, he said. "We will set up a first-of-its kind marine education and skill development centre in the State, wherein will provide sailor education with international certification," Dua said. 

Stating that it will help in improvement of existing infrastructure and logistic like environmentally friendly floating jetties, Dua said that marina would be a berthing and parking facility for local boats, sail boats and yachts. He said that it will also help in putting Goa on yachting circuit.