the goan I network
VASCO
Concerns are being raised over the conduct of public hearing on MPT’s expansion plans scheduled at Tilak Maidan on April 25, with several associations and activists in the port town demanding sufficient time and better facilities for people to put forth their views.
Speaking to The Goan, many association leaders and activists were critical of the previous public hearing on MPT’s expansion plans, claiming that authorities had severely restricted the time for speakers.
“During the last public hearing, a lot of people were not allowed to speak and a lot of speakers were either interrupted or cut short. It was made time-bound and most speakers were made to finish in haste,” said social activist Vikram Sarmalkar.
“This time, everybody must be given enough time to put forth their views. They should not be cut short or no pressure should be put on the speakers.”
“Kharewado is the only beach left in Vasco, though it is almost washed away, and many would want to put forth their views,” said Sarmalkar.
Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) Secretary Olencio Simoes claimed the composite fishing jetty cum POL jetty by MPT was an effort to put a divide among fishermen with mechanised sector and traditional fishermen.
“We want MPT to upgrade the existing jetty, instead of going for a new jetty. The public hearing is kept for a composite project so that there are less participants because they hope mechanised sector fishermen would not come. We want to tell them we are all
POINT BLANK: VOICES OF DISSENT
During the last public hearing, people were not allowed to speak and a lot of speakers were either interrupted or cut short... it was made time-bound
Kharewado is the only beach left in Vasco, though it is almost washed away, many would want to put forth their views
MPT should upgrade the existing jetty, instead of going for a new jetty. The public hearing is kept for a composite project so that there are less participants
GSPCB should come clear in advance on whether they would have restricted timings for speakers
Last time, there were no proper arrangements with no drinking water... people attending the meet in the scorching sun had to remain thirsty
