Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: In a major development that brings relief to the residents of Baina, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus on Wednesday afternoon issued a notification to shift the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) gate and compound wall behind Pillar No. 94 at Baina. The move follows relentless efforts by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and is seen as a significant step towards addressing long-pending public grievances.
Following the notification, Salkar conducted a joint site inspection with Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam, Vasco Traffic PI Alvito Rodrigues, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, Ward Councillor Deepak Naik, and others. He expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for his unwavering support and reiterated the BJP government’s commitment to resolving issues faced by the people.
“This is a big victory for Vascokars and the residents of Baina,” said Salkar. “The Collector’s notification puts an end to the entire controversy over the MPA gates. There were agitations, morchas, meetings, and several follow-ups before we achieved this. Initially, MPA partially agreed, and after sustained efforts, they eventually have to accept our demand to shift the gate to avoid public inconvenience.”
He added that a detailed discussion was held with the Chief Minister where he explained how the existing gate and compound wall caused inconvenience and created a blind spot, making the area accident-prone.
“We are grateful to the CM for standing with us. He directed the Collector to get the gate shifted and implement the suggestions from the traffic department. The police and traffic officials also extended their support, and the people backed our cause throughout,” he said.
According to the notification, the compound wall will be demolished and the gate relocated behind it. In a further assurance, the MPA has given written confirmation that the gates will never be closed except in emergency situations within port premises.
“This is a win-win situation and justice delivered to the people through an amicable solution,” Salkar remarked. “The area will now have a road median, blinkers, and a speed breaker before the gate as per the traffic plan suggested by DySP Gurudas Kadam and PI Alvito Rodrigues. All these steps will ensure public safety and smooth movement.”
Addressing critics, Salkar said that while constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, misinformation can be harmful.
“People have the right to criticise, but it must be credible. We are open to feedback and willing to improve. However, I urge people not to upload videos on social media without verifying facts. Government work takes time and goes through several levels of approvals. The work done is my response to those who tried to misguide the public,” Salkar stated.
