Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for taking the 6 decade long-pending issue of restoring the historic Mormugao Fort and Vice Regal Palace to the central level. The CM recently discussed the matter with Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Delhi, raising hopes for the preservation and development of these iconic sites.
“The Mormugao Fort and Vice Regal Palace are very close to my heart and have been neglected for decades. Since becoming MLA, I have been continuously following up on this issue to boost tourism and create employment opportunities in Mormugao,” said Amonkar.
“I want to thank CM Dr. Pramod Sawant on behalf of the people of Mormugao constituency for taking this issue forward,” he added.
Amonkar explained that both sites are currently under the control of Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), restricting access for locals.
“The CM has assured that he will resolve the matter after discussions with the MPA chairman. The aim is to transfer these properties to the Archaeology and Archives Department for preservation, restoration, and development. It’s heartening to see our demands being addressed at the central level,” Amonkar stated.
Amonkar also highlighted ongoing opposition to the privatization of Berths 10 and 11 at the MPA, a move he fears could displace many locals who rely on the berths for employment and business.
“The CM has also discussed this issue with the Union Shipping Minister. I personally raised the matter during a convention in Goa and brought stakeholders to meet the Minister. He acknowledged our concerns and understood the gravity of the situation,” Amonkar said, adding that the issue is being taken to the central level for resolution.
On the issue of pollution caused by port activities, Amonkar expressed optimism about recent measures.
“The new four-lane port connectivity flyover will soon eliminate the movement of heavy vehicles through Sada and Bogda, significantly reducing dust pollution. A dome structure has been installed to mitigate coal pollution. If this does not work, we will stand with the people and demand further action,” Amonkar assured.
Addressing concerns over trees marked along the Sada Harbour route, Amonkar clarified that no trees would be cut despite plans for road widening.
“The road leading to the new international cruise terminal is narrow, and the MPA had proposed widening it by cutting trees. However, I opposed this plan and raised the issue in the Assembly. The CM assured me that no trees would be cut, and he has already spoken to the PWD and MPA,” Amonkar explained.
“Even if road widening is required for the terminal, we will not allow any harm to the environment. We will ensure that the terminal benefits locals while safeguarding the environment,” he added.
The new cruise terminal, expected to be inaugurated soon, is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities for locals.
“I urge people not to spread misinformation linking the marked trees to coal transportation. Our priority is development that benefits locals without compromising the environment,” Amonkar concluded.
