Panaji: After a strong backlash from fishermen and all the political parties, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) scrapped its plans to lease around 1km of Baina beach for watersports. Just two days earlier, the port has announced plans to lease the beach stretch, along with two other prime land parcels, for 30-years to a private player.The proposal has triggered sharp resistance from local politicians and fishing communities, who have warned they will shut down port operations if the plan is not withdrawn.“The expression of interest for leasing of approximately one Km stretch of Baina beach for water sports activities by following e-tender cum e- auction basis for a period of 30 years stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” said MPA’s superintending engineer (Estate).Under the proposed plan, the MPA had intended to lease the coastal stretch along Baina beach for water sports, marine tourism, premium eco-tourism, and luxury adventure activities such as jet surfing and yacht operations. As per the proposal, eligible private operators, hotels, and shacks would be allowed to place deck beds, umbrellas, and tables on specified stretches of the beach.Alongside the beach plan, the MPA has initiated the process to lease two land parcels for commercial and tourism-related activities over 30 years: An 18,000sqm plot at Headland Sada, and an 11,000sqm plot at Baina where an old, dilapidated port hospital was recently dismantled. These proposals continue to remain under consideration.Elected representatives and traditional coastal rights groups had condemned MPA, calling it an attempt to privatise public beaches and threaten local livelihoods.South Goa Congress MP Capt Viriato Fernandes (retd) said his party would not allow the privatisation of Goa’s beaches under the guise of port expansion or commercial leasing. “We have always said that the coastline belongs to the fisherfolk. MPA and BJP cannot start selling Goa’s coastline. The beach cannot be given to a private player,” he said.Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) fishermen leader Olencio Simoes also issued a warning, saying traditional fishermen from across the state would march to the MPA headquarters and forcibly halt port operations if the leasing process goes ahead.BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar had opposed the 30-year leasing plan as well, accusing the port authority of harassing residents and undermining the interests of traditional fishermen, existing water sports operators, and seasonal shack owners.The dispute is the latest flashpoint between the port authority and local communities over control and jurisdiction of coastal land in South Goa.
