PANAJI: An independent study by a reputed agency has in its report to the state government has urged the government not to allow the Mormugao Port Trust to go aged with its proposed expansion plans as they are likely to cause destruction of fragile area, besides leading to massive displacement of population, thereby affecting the demography and causing massive pollution posing health hazards.

The study especially made in view of the MPT’s expansion plans and the public outcry against them also has divulged that the expansion would lead to destruction of pristine tourist spots, natural resources, displacement of traditional fishermen from their homes and would also lead to civil unrest in the state.
The study has revealed that the expansion plans of MPT at the port would pose danger of dust and air and sea pollution to Raj Niwas, hotels resort and village of Siridao that lies across the port, besides affecting tourist activities along the northern coast of Zuari as all these areas are in close proximity of the proposed projects of the MPT.
The approximate area required for expansion of the port is 10 lakh square metres for creating additional facilities for bulk cargo handling, non-cargo shipping terminals, ship-building facilities, marinas, dry docks and graving docks, cruise terminals, ferry terminals and terminal infrastructure for all, stated the report.
The report has also indicated that utility and feasibility of MPT projects should be studied and agreed by the state only after conducting a suitable environment impact assessment. The government should take immediate steps to retain what has been left of Goa and protect its coast, beaches (which are the main attractions to the tourists from across the world), flora, fauna, fishing and tourists activities, besides saving the lives, the study has observed.
The report has also stated that coastlines of the zones 1 to 4 and 8 and 9 should be de-notified and that the government should limit MPT expansion to zone 5 and southern bank of Zuari river. It has also indicated that since no land was available for projects of the MPT within hinterland of notified area, the invitation for expression of interest by the port agency should be withdrawn.
The report has also indicated that the total land required for proposed activities of the MPT for Betul port, where bulk cargo handling facilities, passenger ship facilities have been proposed, was, 1.20 lakh square metres along the coast and within the notified area, which would have to be acquired by the government for the MPT.
If these activities were allowed all other activities would have to be ceased, the report has stated adding that the proposed development would destroy the most pristine and environmentally fragile areas, the report has said.
Other negative aspects, as disclosed in the report, are that the expansion would also lead to overloading in already congested land resources, besides destruction of greenery, beaches, which attract a large number of tourists.
The study has warned that if the proposed plans were allowed to be executed then the whole of coastal area would be converted into junkyard full of steel, coal, shipbuilding and shipyard related activities and that the government should take steps to prevent the expansion plans of the MPT.