The Hindu : Karnataka News : Port-related activities paralysed in Vasco

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Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008
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Karnataka

Port-related activities paralysed in Vasco

Special Correspondent

Bandh observed by Mormugao Bachav Abhiyan

Expansion and development plans of MPT opposed
‘MPT has agreed to resolve most of the issues raised by the MBA’

PANAJI: Port-related activities in Vasco in south Goa continued to be paralysed for the second day on Tuesday following the bandh observed by the Mormugao Bachav Abhiyan (MBA), an umbrella organisation of the workers’ bodies which are opposed to expansion and development plans of the major port of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).

However, life limped back to normality in the city on Tuesday after a day’s strike on Monday that virtually paralysed the port city.

Meeting

Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’souza told The Hindu on Tuesday that the MPT Chairman Praveen Agarwal had agreed to resolve most of the issues raised by the MBA at a joint meeting of representatives of the agitators and the MPT Chairman convened by him earlier in the day.

Mr. D’Souza is the MLA from Vasco. He said the formal withdrawal of the agitation was delayed as the MBA representatives insisted on a written assurance by Mr. Agarwal that the MPT would not proceed with projects without taking people into confidence and also regarding various issues such as stopping coal dust pollution.

Earlier in the day, the fishing trawlers, launches and barges affiliated to the Goa Boat Owners’ Association continued to be moored at the Mormugao harbour in the Arabian Sea, blocking the iron ore handling activities for two days.

Iron ore export

The MPT handles around 80 per cent of country’s annual iron ore export. All business establishments, including shops, hotels, fish market, vegetable market and fruit vendors resumed their activities by afternoon. Public transport service also resumed.

Opposition

The MBA has objected to the MPT’s plans to extend the Vasco Bay, Baina Bay, Berth No. 7 and west of breakwater. It is also opposed to the moves to shift Khariwada jetty to Vaddem and Chicalim, and relocate a holy cross from its present location at Headland-Sada in Vasco.

The MBA has also raised its voice against coal and dust pollution in the city.

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