PANAJI
In a sharp escalation of tensions between the Centre and the State, the Captain of Ports (CoP) has lashed out at the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for approving a private jetty project at Malim without the State’s knowledge or consent.
The IWAI, a central body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Mumbai-based Marina India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, paving the way for the construction of Rs 8 crore jetty meant for private yachts and river cruise vessels.
However, the Ports Administration made it clear that the move violates a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two governments.
“We came to know through media reports that IWAI issued the NOC. We have not received any such proposal for a private jetty nor granted any approval. The Central government cannot intervene in our decision. Our MoU is very clear. We will not consider such proposals and not allow the jetty terminal to be built without government approval,” the Captain of Ports told The Goan.
CoP clarified that the NOC granted by the IWAI from their portal is a general procedural clearance, which does not override State authority. “The NOC itself mentions that they have to follow up with the respective State government. The Mandovi River may be nationalized but jurisdiction rests with the Goa government,” he added.
The five-year MoU was signed in June last year between the IWAI and the Goa government. The department cited Article 3.2 of the agreement, which explicitly limits the IWAI’s role to permissions related to cross-structures like overhead bridges or underwater pipelines. “For all other purposes, the IWAI cannot grant NOC, and more importantly, no NOC is required from IWAI,” he said.
The CoP further confirmed they reached out directly to the IWAI’s Chief Engineer to question why the clearance was issued without informing the State government. “We asked them why the NOC was granted without informing us. No one from the government or the CoP has approved anything,” he said.
The State has meanwhile already formed a State Maritime Water Transport Committee. According to officials, the new body will draft a State Maritime Water Master Plan, however, the State government will now form an apex committee headed by the Chief Minister wherein all projects will be approved through this route.
Government sources stated the IWAI’s move as an overreach could set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked. “The CM and Ports Minister have ensured and insisted that the jurisdiction is with the State government and the CoP,” the source added.
