Panaji: Revenue minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate has strongly opposed state govt’s proposal to privatise and commercialise the Captain of Ports (CoP) new terminal building and jetty at Panaji, citing concerns over traffic, parking, pedestrian safety, emergency access and public access to the waterfront.In a letter to ports minister Digambar Kamat, Monserrate objected to the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) for the operation, commercialisation and long-term private concession of the newly constructed terminal and associated jetty facilities.“I wish to place on record my strong and unequivocal objection to the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) for the operation, commercialisation and long-term private concession of the newly constructed CoP terminal and associated jetty facilities at Panaji,” he said.Monserrate said the Mandovi waterfront was an integral part of Panaji’s identity, civic life and urban character and should not be assessed solely in terms of the revenue or commercial returns that could be generated from a private concession.“Any decision concerning the use and management of such a strategic public asset must be based on a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on the city and its residents, rather than primarily on the commercial viability of the proposed PPP,” the Panaji MLA said.Monserrate also warned that commercialisation could generate additional movement of passengers, tourists, taxis, buses, private and commercial vehicles and delivery vehicles in an area already facing limited road capacity and parking constraints.He also raised concerns about the carrying capacity of the city’s existing urban infrastructure, saying the social, environmental, traffic and urban consequences of increased commercial activity would ultimately be borne by Panaji residents.“I also wish to place on record my categorical objection to any casino, casino-related establishment or casino-linked commercial activity being permitted within the CoP terminal building or its associated premises,” he said.Monserrate demanded that the proposed PPP tender be kept in abeyance immediately.
