Betul Port move triggers backlash

POLITICIANS SAY PROJECT WILL DESTROY FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM; WILL HIT LIVELIHOODS OF FISHING, TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS

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MARGAO Mormugao Port Authority’s plans to revive the Betul Port proposal have triggered widespread outrage and criticism.

Politicians across party lines, along with fishing and tourism stakeholders, have unanimously vowed to oppose the project tooth and nail.

From Congress Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa to Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva and South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, as well as various representatives of local fishing and tourism communities, all reiterated that the people will continue resisting the project to safeguard Betul and the surrounding villages from destruction.

Since Betul falls within Quepem taluka, Congress MLA Altone D’Costa said he is even prepared to quit politics if necessary, but will not abandon his constituents in their fight against the port. “Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had promised the people of Betul and Goa that the Betul Port project would be shelved. But the BJP government has a habit of saying one thing and doing another. As the MLA of Quepem, I will fully support the people of Betul and Quepem if any attempt is made to develop Betul into a port. The project will destroy fishing communities, damage tourism, and harm the environment,” he said.

Reiterating that the Betul project will be opposed at every level, D’Costa added that the people of Betul and Goa will ensure the project never sees the light of day. “We will bring all stakeholders -- NGOs, environmentalists, and local communities -- on board to decide the future course of action and convene a public meeting,” he added.