In a shocking development, The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has leased out one lakh square metres of River Zuari water area near Nauxim bay to M/s. Kargwal Constructions with the consent of the government and the State has not registered any objection to the same.
In a written reply to Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginald Lourenco, Revenue Minister Jennifer Monseratte has said that the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) is claiming to be owner of River Zuari area within its Port limits on the basis of the Notification GSR No. 1127(E) dated 31-08-2017 issued by the Ministry of Shipping (Ports Wing) under section 4 of the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908), read with clause (q) of Section 2 of Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (38 of 1963) and in supersession of the Notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Shipping (Port Wing) GSR No. 1137 (E) dated 14/12/2016 notifying the extent of the limits of the Port of Mormugao.
“No consent was issued by the Collectorate (North) to MPT. The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has entered in to Lease Deed with M/s. Kargwal Constructions Private Limited registered before the Sub Registrar of IIhas, Panaji on 12/10/2010 and has leased an water area admeasuring 1 lakh sq.mts,” it says.
To a query whether the government has taken any steps to nullify the deed, the minister said that no steps have been taken to nullify the lease deed dated 12.10.2010 as on date.
Following the controversy over MPT jurisdiction in 2011, the MPT and the Government of Goa had clearly agreed that the Trust’s jurisdiction would be de-notified.
“MPT does not have any right to lease and sell our land to any companies. Therefore, MPT cannot sub lease property to other companies to build projects like marinas, ports, jetties etc, expansion in Goa,” claimed GRE general secretary Olencio Simoes.