Plans for Betul satellite port return to haunt locals

PANJIM: Three years after Mormugao Port Trust said it had shelved plans for the satellite port at Betul, following people’s protests, the Central government has made another effort to construct a satellite port there through Sagarmala V.  

As per Sagarmala Volume V – copy of which is in possession of Herald – a new multipurpose terminal at Betul has been planned.

“Bauxite mines are located at Betul about 35 km south of the Mormugao port. There are significant bauxite reserves at this location (over 200 MT),” the Sagarmala V report says and adds, “Mormugao port may explore the possibility of developing a terminal at Betul for export of Bauxite.”

“This could either be a direct loading port for all weather or fair weather operations. Alternative a barge terminal could be planned at Betul for loading the mother ships inside the Mormugao harbour. The logistically most optimum solution could be worked out by a way of a detailed study,” the report says.

In 2016, MPT said it was exploring options to expand port infrastructure, including constructing a satellite port at Betul in Goa.

But then it decided to temporarily shelve its plan to develop a satellite port at Betul due to protests by the locals and adverse financial implications.

The decision was taken after discussions with the Union Ministry of Shipping and the State government.

In June 2016, Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced that a satellite port would come up about 35km from MPT and it would be jointly developed with the Goa government. The Centre wanted around 150-200 acres to develop the satellite port at Betul but the move was objected to by the local population.

The then Laxmikant Parsekar government had told the Assembly that it had not agreed to Gadkari’s proposal of satellite port at Betul.

Speaking to Herald, Capt Viriato Fernandes of Goencho Avaaz said that the issue was brought up with the Chief Minister at the meeting on Tuesday. “Imagine, the Chief Minister also did not know about this. The Central government just wants to bulldoze the project on us. This port too may be used by MPT for coal,” he stated.

Olencio Simoes of Goencho Ekvott said that the Central government has kept everything secret. “The local MLA and Dy CM Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar too did not know about the development. Kavlekar was also opposing this port at one time,” he said.