Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Captain of Ports has firmly rejected allegations questioning the legal standing of the department and the Terminal Building project, stating that the claims are based on a misreading of the Indian Ports Act, 2025.
Officials clarified that the Act, which came into force on April 1, 2026, allows a six-month window up to September 30, 2026, for the State Government to constitute a State Maritime Board. Until then, the State Government is permitted to notify an existing department to carry out maritime board functions, ensuring there is no legal vacuum.
According to the department, the process to establish the Goa Maritime Board is already in motion. A draft bill has been prepared after reviewing central legislation and is currently under consideration, while a parallel proposal has been moved to designate the Captain of Ports as the interim maritime authority under the Act.
Rejecting claims that the department has ceased to have legal authority, officials said such assertions are “incorrect and contrary to statutory provisions.”
On the Terminal Building, the department maintained that all necessary approvals—including Coastal Regulation Zone clearance, permissions from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and water and sewage clearances—have been obtained. It further stated that the structure has been built on piles within port jurisdiction without any reclamation activity and is compliant with applicable CRZ norms for port-related infrastructure.
Officials also said legal opinion supports the view that additional permissions from planning authorities are not required for the project.
Addressing reports linking the postponement of the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ proposed visit to the absence of a maritime board, the department called the claims baseless and speculative. It said the visit could not take place due to last-minute changes in the Minister’s official schedule.
The Captain of Ports added that the issue of constituting a maritime board and scheduling ministerial visits are unrelated matters, and any suggestion of a connection between them is misleading.
The department also dismissed allegations that social media discussions influenced the cancellation of the visit, stating that no such reason was communicated by the Ministry.
Reiterating its stand, the Captain of Ports said all actions are being carried out strictly in accordance with law and established procedures, and urged against spreading misinformation that could create public confusion.
