Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today said that State Government is committed to protecting the rights of the local communities over the rivers and coasts.
“State Government is committed to protecting the rights of the local communities over the rivers and coasts,” said CM Sawant.
He further said that the Major Port Act is a Central Legislation, and State has to abide by it and recognize the jurisdiction and powers given to the Major Ports under the said Act.
“The State Government has from time to time taken all the required steps to ensure the protection of the interest of the State and the local communities,’ he added.
The Chief Minister said that MPA (erstwhile MPT) is governed by the Major Ports Authority Act 2021 (Central Act) and is not under State Government’s administrative control.
“As such, the decision on carrying out the type of business activity at the port is the decision of MPA itself subject to compliance with all applicable environmental laws,” he added.
Sawant also said that there are various Acts & Rules which prescribe powers of multiple authorities and local bodies concerning Territorial, Economic, Criminal Taxation jurisdictions etc., under Port Limits.
“The powers of State Government and local authorities over Ports Limits are as per Central and State Act,” CM said.
The Major Port Act is a Central Legislation, and State has to abide by it and recognize the jurisdiction and powers given to the Major Ports under the said Act. However, the State Government has, from time to time, taken all the required steps to ensure the protection of the interests of the traditional fishing community as the need arises.