VASCO, SEPT 20
Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Chairman Praveen Agarwal has criticized the State government for non-inclusion of MPT into the newly formed seven-member high level committee, which is formed to look after port’s jurisdiction and its expansion plans.
It may be recalled that recently the State government formed a high level committee to scrutinize MPT’s jurisdictions and port expansion plans. Minister for Ports Nilkanth Halarnkar was appointed chairman, besides ministers for PWD, Environment, Fisheries, Revenue, Water Resources and Secretary (Port) in the committee.
In a letter to Halarnkar, Agarwal stated that non-representation of MPT in the committee is not appropriate, as in the past the State government had written to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) alleging pollution and destruction of the ecology of Goa due to MPT projects, even though this was grossly incorrect and baseless.
This seems to have occurred due to the fact that the State government did not take MPT into confidence while making an attempt to assess and evaluate the impact of MPT projects, neither did the government enquire about the factual position from MPT.
“In the circumstances, we would respectfully submit that MPT should be represented in the committee,” said Agarwal.
“Till MPT’s nominee is included as a member, we would respectfully suggest that the Board of Trustees of MPT may be kept informed as regards the proceedings of the committee, which will enable MPT to respond quickly to the observations and recommendations of the committee,” said Agarwal.
“It will also help MPT in making necessary improvements in our projects and operations, if required,” added Agarwal.
“Since Member Secretary of the High Level Committee Dr M Modassir, being a Trustee in the Board of MPT, MPT has drawn attention to some of the projects, which are being obstructed without any justifiable reason,” he said.
“We request the High Level Committee to examine the projects and make suitable recommendations to the government such that execution of these vital infrastructure projects proceeds as per the schedule,” said Agarwal.
Agarwal has maintained that all MPT projects are meant for the benefit of the people of Goa and delaying them unnecessarily or obstructing them, will cause huge losses to Trade, Commerce and Industry of the region.
