Cavelossim locals object to proposed port in Betul

Colva: The Cavelossim gram sabha on Sunday unanimously rejected the 2019 draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), strongly objecting to a proposed port in the neighbouring Betul village, which the villagers claim lies directly opposite Cavelossim and poses a serious threat to their livelihood and environment.

Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz at the gram sabha said a similar proposal by the Mormugao Port Authority was scrapped while drafting the 2011 Coastal Zone Plan after sustained opposition from the villagers. However, the architects of the 2019 draft CZMP have reintroduced the port proposal, ignoring the concerns raised then.


He raised concern over the manner in which the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority conducted the consultation process. Vaz said the panchayat was informed only on Jan 14 about a public hearing scheduled for Jan 20, leaving very little time to place the plan before the villagers.

The gram sabha resolved to demand a fresh hearing, with adequate notice.