Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: A golden opportunity slipped through the fingers of Kharewado’s fishing community nearly a decade ago. A Rs 100 crore state-of-the-art fishing jetty, part of the ambitious Vasco Bay Development Plan, was set to transform the local fishing industry. But politics, delays, and missed commitments buried the dream—until now.
Somwhwre around 2016, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had personally arrived at Kharewado to launch the much-anticipated fishing jetty project. The plan, spearheaded by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), envisioned a 520-metre-long finger quay, a Petroleum Oil Lubricant (POL) berth, and a modern fishing harbour—all separated by a security wall. The fishing jetty itself, spread across 22,000 sq. m, was to be a first-of-its-kind in Goa, offering essential facilities such as a communication office, canteen, ice plant, petrol pump, and workmen rest sheds.
A Plan Set to Change Lives
Speaking to The Goan, a fishing boat owner—who requested anonymity—described the project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kharewado’s fishermen.
“The plan was perfect. A straight, perpendicular pier jetty in the middle of Vasco Bay. The left side for MPA, the right side till the Hindu Crematorium for fishing boats and canoes. It was designed to benefit the community. But then, politics got in the way.”
According to the fisherman, the first deadlock was the demolition of existing structures along the coastline. After a series of meetings, MPA assured affected families that each demolished structure would be replaced with a 50-square-meter plot and that MPA would even assist in rebuilding sheds. Despite these assurances, political interference led to a stalemate.
“The previous MLA did not want the project to happen under the new MLA. It became a political issue, and the entire plan fell apart.”
When Hope Turned to Disappointment
Even with central intervention, the project faced another roadblock—a last-minute withdrawal by the canoe owners’ association.
“We had a function planned, and even the MOU was ready. But at the last moment, the canoe owners, misled by a politician, backed out. Gadkari waited for a long time, but they never turned up. That was the end of it.”
Despite the setback, the MOU had guaranteed that no shanties or structures along the Kharewado stretch would be touched without first providing alternative plots. In fact, fishermen had personally worked on the blueprint to ensure minimal displacement. The project even had backing from the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who arranged initial funding, with additional costs covered under the Sagarmala project.
“The deal was fair. Those with structures smaller than 20 meters would get larger 50-square-meter plots, legal cases against them would be withdrawn, and they would get MPA’s support to rebuild. We had planned for over 250 canoes, while only 100 were operating at the time. It was a golden opportunity that we lost.”
A New Hope for Vasco Bay?
Nearly a decade later, MPA Chairman Dr. N. Vinod Kumar has confirmed revived plans for multiple berths under the Vasco Bay Infrastructure Project.
“We are taking up the construction of a fishing jetty (Rs 100 crore), a passenger jetty (Rs 21 crore), a berth for the Navy and Coast Guard (Rs 250 crore), and a coastal cargo berth (Rs 200 crore). These projects are expected to be completed by 2029-2030.”
However, bureaucracy remains a hurdle. The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) delays, environmental clearance expirations, and fresh approval requirements have stalled progress. MPA has hired consultants, and their report will be ready in six months. By the end of this year, the project file is expected to be resubmitted for approvals.
But land availability remains a concern. MPA and the Goa government have signed an MOU with fishermen associations to rehabilitate 35-40 households, a crucial step for the project’s execution. The Defence Ministry is also pressing forward with plans for Coast Guard and Navy berths.
“We have had discussions with the Goa government, and by the end of this year, we should have a clearer picture. The Defence Ministry is keen, and we are hopeful that this time, the project will become a reality,” said Dr. Kumar.
Will Vasco Bay Finally Get Its Fishing Jetty?
For the fishermen of Kharewado, the wounds of a lost opportunity still linger. But with renewed efforts, will MPA and the government finally deliver on a promise made years ago?
The Forgotten Files may finally see the light of day. But until then, the fishermen of Kharewado can only wait and hope.
