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Big plans for Mormugao port

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Mormugao, one of Asia's oldest harbour, is slated to be another major port on the western coast of the country, with ambitious expansion plans of the Mormugao Port Trust.

Plans on the anvil include reclamation of the two adjacent bays, Vasco and Baina, and increasing the existing area of 250 acres in four phases. The plans include converting Mormugao into a multipurpose port and takes into account the requirements for the next five decades.

A massive rise in cargo movement is expected at this comparatively less-congested port, especially after the Konkan Railway was commissioned on January 26. At present, the busy ports on the Western coast are the Bombay and the Mangalore ports.

The Mormugao port, built during Portuguese regime, was developed by the Mormugao Port Trust primarily to export Goa's iron ore.

A feasibility report of Frederick Harris, the Netherlands-based firm, on economic, technological and environmental aspects is expected by May end.

"It would boost port activity tremendously once the plans come true," states MPT Chairman Dr Jose Paul confidently. He also assured that reclamation of the bay would be done without disturbing the human settlements and ecological balance.

Rough estimates have already been prepared for reclamation of the Vasco bay, which would basically be extension of the existing port area by 700 acres more, requiring an investment of around Rs 5 billion.

The report, however, is still awaited mainly because of the reclamation plans in the Baina bay, which will affect a fishing community that resides in the area. Incidentally, Baina beach is also infamous as a red light zone.

The local Congress government however has already started evicting the commercial sex workers' settled along the Baina beach, a move which has attracted the attention of the National Human Rights Commission as well as the National Women's Commission.

No estimates have been prepared yet, says Dr Paul, though the plan is to reclaim an area at least half the size of the Vasco bay. This area, located slightly away from the main port, would exclusively handle liquid cargo.

The MPT has also finalised plans for a four-lane national highway from the harbour, which would pass through the Baina beach area, and link up with the National Highway 17 at the Verna Electronic City. The plan also includes the construction of a fishing jetty for the benefit of the fishermen who will be hit by the Vasco bay reclamation.

"It would cost Rs 35 crore and even the draft memorandum of understanding is ready. We are waiting the ministry's approval," says Dr Paul. He is also negotiating with the the commerce ministry, asking them to bear half the cost. The ministry has, so far, agreed to pay up to 25 per cent.