'Goa government hasn't agreed to satellite port along Betul coast'

Panaji, August 1: The Goa government today told the Legislative Assembly it had not agreed to the Centre's plan to set up a satellite port of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) along the Betul coast.

Ports Minister Dilip Parulekar was replying to a question by Congress's Chandrakant Kavalekar who had asked "whether the government has agreed in-principle with the Central government for satellite port of Mormugao Port Trust in Betul area".

"No...but Mormugao Port Trust plans to develop the satellite port at Betul. It is in the initial stage," Parulekar said.

"Mormugao Port Trust has proposed to the State government to acquire 107.10 acres of land (of which 73.5 acres is under the ownership of Goa State Industrial Development Corporation) for developing port-based facilities at Betul," he said.

He said Mormugao Port does not possess any land at Betul, but has waterfront/foreshore area since this area falls within Port's notified limits.

"At present technical studies and Detailed Project Report are under preparation," he added.

The locals have opposed the plan for satellite port near Betul, which was recently announced by Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari during his Goa visit.

Parulekar said his department was not aware of opposition to the project by the locals.

PTI