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Port expansion to kill two Goan beaches

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

The Mormugao Port Trust is planning to sacrifice both its beaches to expand its berths.

Situated near one of the rare natural harbours in India, the Vasco da Gama city was developed by Portuguese colonialists. The MPT took over there after liberation in 1961.

Since then, the port has been monopolised by iron-ore shipping, Goa's prime mineral wealth, and records 46 per cent of the country's total export of that commodity. As the recession has hit the trade and the mineral stock is getting scarce, the MPT has chalked out an expansion plan with private participation.

But Vasco's scenic beauty is now at stake -- the expansion will destroy both the beaches situated in the heart of the port town. The beaches, it must be noted, are the sole source of relaxation to the locals.

The MPT now plans to reclaim the whole stretch and build seven berths there, including a fishing jetty.

Along with that would be a major reclamation, adjacent to the Chicalim hillock, of around 350 acres. The initial plan was for 750 acres -- but the Central Water and Power Research Centre said it would affect the whole ecological balance and water flow of River Zuari joining the Arabian Sea.

On the western side of the town is the Baina beach, most part of which is red light area. While there was a movement four years ago to shift the red light area and allow locals to enjoy the beach, the state authorities have decided to shift it -- for the benefit of the MPT and not the locals. The 300 families in the area will be rehabilitated, and an outer harbour would be constructed there under a Rs 25 billion project.

The plan is to utilise it exclusively for handling oil cargo, laying a special pipeline from there to Zuarinagar, where the oil tanks would be shifted. The project is estimated to be completed in five years.

The MPT also plans to construct a four-lane highway along the Baina beach by 2001.

The 18 km-highway project, from Harbour to Verna, has already been approved. It is to be built by the Border Roads Organisation. The project cost of Rs 620 million also includes the rehabilitation of sex workers.

The National Highway Authority of India is contributing Rs 400 million for the project, while the commerce ministry is putting up Rs 70 million and the MPT Rs 150 million. The state government has agreed to acquire the land, and would also take care of the sex workers.

The MPT authorities justify its action, claiming that it would help the Goan economy prosper and take port development to new heights. However, they skilfully avoid replies to the question whether such a money-oriented development is justified if it means the total destruction of natural treasures like beaches.

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