PANJIM: The Central Government has given an NOC for a private jetty at Malim. In this context, Herald Media asked people, “What is your reaction to proposed private jetty at Malim? Do you fear it will be converted into a Marina?”
The recent announcement that a jetty is coming up at Malim has suddenly created confusion in the minds of the people, especially those living on the banks of the Mandovi River. The confusion begins at the doorsteps of the government. Government blames the people because they stand up and oppose everything. How can we blame the people of Goa when the government does not take the stakeholders and the public at large into confidence and explain what exactly is the plan and the programme of the government? Government has to explain this jetty is for luxury boats, how many boats would be there. Where would the fuel be discharged. All these things need to be explained.
Trajano D'Mello, Political Commentator
In the name of tourism nearly every property is privatized or being leased out. Nearly everything is leased out. So what is going to be left with the government of Goa. If jetties are going to be privatized where will be the access for the common people? Through nationalization of waterways, is every river and beach front going to be privatized? And will it be out of reach of the common people? Tourism is good, but all these projects have to come from the grassroots. Where is no participation of the people before NOCs are given and constructions are done. Why does the government not take the people into confidence?
Anthony D'Silva, Social Activist
This online NOC which has been given for a private jetty in river Mandovi, will be a destruction of the inland waterways. This is part of the Sagarmala project and this is the start of destruction. Our mountains, fields and khazans have been destroyed. Now they have started with the inland waterways. This private jetty is at the mouth of river Mandovi. This is the beginning of destruction. First they brought in casinos, then they have diverted Mhadei so salt water will come in and then the sewage and the dirt. Those on the banks will certainly be affected by the jetty and the Sagarmala project.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist