''Goa govt won''t allow Navy to takeover three Islands, beach''

Panaji, Feb 2 (PTI) Amidst protests from locals, Goagovernment today assured that the Indian Navy would not beallowed to take over three Islands and a beach, a proposalwhich is pending with the state government.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the State LegislativeAssembly that there was no question of handing over the landto Indian Navy.

"As far as acquisition of land for central governmentagencies are concerned, this government is conscious," he toldthe House.

"I was surprised how the file for acquisition was movedby the collector. I had put up a remark that there is noquestion of acquiring the land till opinion of people istaken," Kamat said.

Echoing the Chief Minister''s sentiments, state RevenueMinister Jose Philip D''Souza said the government will not takeany decision on its own without taking people into confidence.

Land resources will not be allowed to be acquired by theIndian Navy, he added.

"In fact, we want that some project beneficial to Goa canbe put up on these islands," D''Souza said adding thatamusement park facility could be set up on the islands.

Deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho had raised the callingattention motion in the Assembly against Indian Navy''s plansto acquire three Islands and a beach in port town of Vasco forsecurity reasons.

The Navy has its INS Hansa base next to these Islands andthe beach.

Residents of Vasco town today marched on the streets ofPanaji on the sidelines of the ongoing session demanding thatthe state government should not hand over this prime land toIndian Navy. (More) PTI RPS VKV

Godinho said people are anxious about government''s move on the island as traditional fishermen would be affected.

"Nearly 5,000 people had gathered in Panaji today as theydon''t want to lose these islands and beaches," he said.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar claimed thatdefence forces have set their eyes on state''s properties andare going to encroach it.

"We don''t want this issue to go the way Adarsh scam hasgone," he said adding that the state government should have apolicy decision vis-a-vis land acquisition.

Indian Navy has submitted a proposal to acquire land atBimvel Beach for the naval base � INS Hansa.

In a similar proposal, Indian Navy has also requested theacquisition of three islands � Piken Island, Grandi (large)Island and Grandi (small) Island.