In a development that could pave the way for the revival of the long-due marina project in Goa, the Mormugao Port Authority on Monday submitted in the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it has reversed its cancellation of permission for the proposed marina at Nauxim in Tiswadi taluka.
The project with a capacity to attract high-end tourists was shelved by the MPA after a hue and cry by environmentalists who claimed it would harm the interests of the local people, including fishermen.
The Revolutionary Goans Party had filed a case in the High Court saying that the MPA had no jurisdiction over the waters where Kargwal Constructions Pvt Ltd had proposed the marina project (at Nauxim).
In 2011, MPT, which is now MPA, tendered two marina projects and the highest bidders were called to construct the same.
Later, MPA took a decision based on a board resolution to shelve the Nauxim project, while there was no word on another marina project on the south bank of the Zuari river.
In 2011, MPT, which is now MPA, tendered two marina projects and the highest bidders were called to construct the same. While the north bank was allotted to Kargwal, the south one went to a Goan company.
While there was opposition to both projects, only Nauxim project was shelved, while nothing much is heard of the marina project on the south bank.
Now, as per the latest development, the MPA's submission in the High Court paves the way for the public hearing into the project which was time and gain postponed by the Goa government.
Meanwhile, the Government of India has cleared several marina projects in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Both States are in a race to win maximum number of marina projects.
The former BJP Chief Minister of Karnataka had recently announced that the first marina of India will be constructed in Byndoor, Udupi district, Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the Government of India has cleared several marina projects in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Both States are in a race to win maximum number of marina projects.
Marina is a specially designed place to dock small boats and pleasure yachts. All over the world, marinas help boost coastal tourism and provide sustained employment to local communities.
Tourism experts in Goa believe that marina projects will help the State attract high-end tourists with high-spending capacity.
When contacted, Kargwal Constructions said it was not in a position to comment until it studies what the MPA has submitted in court.
Tomorrow, at the concluding G20 forum in Goa, a special session on cruise tourism is scheduled which will be attended by who's who of the tourism industry.
According to the Union Tourism Ministry, India's marina tourism has the potential to earn more than 200 billion USD and generate more than 137 million jobs.